Joseph Zarr

Talk about a mixed emotions Transaction log. YAY! Wait, what? UGH! Whew.

I think the Introductory Griffin presser is today? Signing official as of last night. Yep:

It's time for Brewers affiliated baseball 7-days a week. Whew dang we're back again! With the DSL and ACL Brewers playing their opening games, we had both the DLS 1 and 2 kicking it off South of the border and we had the now condensed ACL Brewers playing down in Arizona. It was a wonderful 3-0 debut for Team Brewers. Let's just get right into the report! Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic Transactions: INF Mike Brosseau was optioned to the Nashville Sounds from the Milwaukee Brewers INF Luis Urias was activated by the Milwaukee Brewers - he had previously been rehabbing with the Sounds AND, we have a proverbial buffet of activity and announcements in the DSL./ACL realm. Due to the massive number of transactions in and amongst all teams, I am simply going to let you sift through all the names and movement HERE or, hey, get frisky and visit our Transactions Thread HERE. By the early afternoon, PST, I counted 47 assignments and named roster moves amongst the DSL and ACL squads. 😳 Of possible special note in the slurry of transactions, and astutely pointed out by our very own @damuelle HERE, is the fact the Brewers have indeed promoted 17-year-old Venezuelan flamethrower RHP Aldrin Gonazlez directly stateside to the ACL: Game Balls: Last year's highest paid (bonus pool) International Free Agent pitching signee, LHP Anthony Flores, was phenomenal in his first outing of 2023. After a mostly disappointing 2022, it is absolutely wonderful to see a 4 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 8 K first trip to the hill. This included striking out the side in the first frame. OF Antony Gomez got aboard the bags three times in his first game - a single and two free passes. He also swiped 4 bases. Count them: 4. We'll honor that type of impact any day of the week. Cuban outfielder, Idalberto Santiesteban, opened his Brewers career with a 4-for-4 day at the dish (1 2B). A heck of a debut for the 18-year-old November 2022 signee. DH/1B/OF Yeison Perez had an incredible debut for the ACL Brewers. Maybe, just maybe, the coaching staff will re-consider batting him in the 9-Hole. A solo jack and a bases clearing triple in the pivotal sixth inning filled out his 2-for-4, 4 RBI evening. INF Jhonny Severino had a fantastic debut stateside after a solid DSL season in 2022. 3-for-5, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 R, 1 RBI is what we call 'the stuff'. ** Honorable Mention: I need to give a nod to OF Reidy Mercado and his three-bagger as well as two outfield assists from CF. Fine work for the young outfielder. And, finally, INF Juan Baez really came on in key situations in the late innings to advance the above-mentioned Severino into scoring position or across the dish. He also added a double in the 9th frame to complete a 3-for-5 evening. Final: DSL Brewers #1 4, DSL Athletics 2 Box Score/Game Log Seven of nine starters in this debut are first year DSL Brewers players - quite exciting. The highlight of this game was the above-mentioned performance by LHP Anthony Flores. However, the entire pitching staff had 17 K's on the day - RHP Jesael Cabrera (3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 ER, 6K) and RHP Yonawil Florimon (2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 3 K) tag teamed quite well aiding a winning end result. The Brewers Uno did manage 12 hits, however they were quite inept on the day with RISP (3-for-14). They will look to improve that production moving forward. Aside from the standout performance of OF Idalberto Santiesteban, we see highly-touted signee 17-year-old INF Kevin Ereu was 1-for-3, 2 BB, 1 K, and 2 SB. A solid debut showing in his own right. Final: DSL Brewers #2 11, DSL Braves 7 Box Score/Game Log As above, seven of nine starters in this DSL Brewers #2 debut are first year Brewers players. Leading 9-2 after three innings and 11-3 after six innings, the Brewers Dos managed to hold on - the most important result for these young men. In true DSL fashion, three of the Brewers #2 four first runs reached via error or wild pitch. Ah, the scintillating tastes of summer baseball in the DSL! Another inept performance with RISP for the DSL Brewers, the Dos managed a meager 3-for-17 in such scenarios. Let's remember: these are extremely young men on the baseball diamond and they're looking to make their best first impressions. Nicaraguan starter, 17-year-old Bryan Rivera, got the opening nod here (his second DSL season for the Brewers) and though he gave up three earned runs in 4 1/3 IP (2 HR) we do see a significant jump in K's with 7 on the day. This might be something to track moving forward. Of particular note, scanning the box score, is the productivity from the bottom of the Brewers #2 batting order: a combined 4-for-10, 2 BB, 2 K, 5 R, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 1 SB amongst the trio of INF Luis Lameda; INF Pedro Ibarguen; and INF/OF Smarlin Espinal. Final: ACL Brewers 8, ACL Rangers 4 Box Score/Game Log It's no secret 1B/OF/DH Yeison Perez was a man crush of mine in last summer's DSL season. When I tuned into the play-by-play and saw they had put him in the 9-hole of the batting order I nearly gasped. "How could they?!?"😅 I imagine that may change quite soon. He did the very same thing tonight we saw throughout 2022 down in the DSL: mash. A solo jack in the fifth frame. A bases clearing lead-taking triple to the deepest part of the park in the sixth frame. Zesty! INF's Jhonny Severino and Juan Baez, as alluded to above, were pivotal in the top of the order. After trailing throughout the early going 3-1, the Brewers really came on in the sixth frame plating five runs. It was a lead they would not relinquish. A special tip of the proverbial cap is due to RHP Gerson Calzadilla who shut things down throughout the key late innings ensuring the ACL Brewers victory in a scoreless 4 IP. View full article

We have a bevy if DSL assignments today. I am simply going to copy/paste from the Transaction Wire: 06/05/23 RHP Aldrin Gonzalez assigned to ACL Brewers. 06/05/23 LHP Caden Vire assigned to ACL Brewers. 06/05/23 LHP Wande Torres assigned to ACL Brewers from DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Joan Gutierrez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Eduardo Charles assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Gabriel Colmenarez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Roman Perez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Luiyin Alastre assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Daurys Mora assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Enniel Cortez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Eric Prado assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 LHP Anthony Flores assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Oliver Camilo assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Jhon Bencosme assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 LHP Jose Meneses assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Tyler Rodriguez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Saul Sanchez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 OF Pedro Tovar assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 OF Irving Igualas assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 C Brayan Oropeza assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 LHP Wande Torres assigned to ACL Brewers from DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Luis Lameda assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Justin Caceres assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Ismael Yanez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 OF Christopher Vasquez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 CF Ramon Moreno assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Dikember Sanchez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 OF Danny Puerta assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 SS Pedro Ibarguen assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 C Roman La Torre assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Linbel Jimenez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Carlos Maurera assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Melvin Hernandez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 SS Filippo Di Turi assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Lenin Mendez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 LF Fabricio Valera assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Jesus Flores assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Leonardo Rivera assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Elias Gonzalez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Ranwell Smith assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 C Freider Rojas assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Aneuris Rodriguez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 SS Roderick Flores assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Bryan Rivera assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 OF Antony Gomez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 OF Smarlin Espinal assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Luis Guevara assigned to DSL Brewers 2.

Terry Stotts lead assistant. I can not impart how utterly AWESOME this is. He's an offensive design savant: This. Is. Huge. Can I get out the first: "Bring Dame Home." chant?

Lastly, the mic drop:

And, my last gush post. I'm not kidding y'all. Big Jon is absolutely LOVED within the Nashville Sounds organization. Here's current PA Announcer, Tyler Clemmons (who does an awesome job with the kiddos when they are in the booth announcing batters, btw. Shout out dads!) throughout this 2023 lead-up:

From his wife: Let's remember this ST gem from Adam McCalvy: Jon Singleton Eyes Second Chance at Brewers Minors Camp

Let's keep the GOOD feels rolling. Here we go! LET'S GO, BIG JON!!!!! Absolutely beloved by the Sounds organization. I can't tell you how absolutely STOKED I am for this man. Get it, big fella. Crush this opportunity for you and your family and everyone who is a fan. I just don't know how you can not absolutely love what this man represents. He is one of my baseball heroes.

Very strange moment. I think Naquin wanted a challenge but the umpire doesn't have to grant a challenge (which is very odd) BUT in this case the Sounds didn't actually have any challenges left😅. So, they got into a minor war of words - it actually seemed fairly benign. And, then the ump just tossed him. Naquin was not pleased as you can imagine. In the ensuing hoolabaloo arranging the replacement player, a hoodie-wearing RHP Tyson Miller was tossed from the top rail - obviously, he was saying something the ump was not to pleased with. The count was 2-and-2 so he technically wasn't 'technically' called out on strikes but OF Noah Campbell was but the K goes to Naquin. That's a lottta words for ya.😅

@Mass Haas: Patrick Dorrian was caught off 1B and had to break for 2B where Big Jon was standing. Stuck suddenly in an 'Oh s#$%!' moment, Singleton being the teammate he is took off for 3B. Hence, he was picked off.

It's only appropriate a Mudcats pitcher gets this award. The entire staff - top to bottom (for the most part) - has been fantastic. An intentional nod to the catching outfit - C Matt Wood was rightfully promoted but this emphatically should not take a single thing away from the ongoing work of Sibrian and Diaz who have absolutely fantastic on all sides of the dish. I'll casually toss out the sudden surge of RHP Tyler Wehrle who has really caught my eye in recent outings. AND, a young man from just down the way from my farmstead in Spokane County, WA RHP Nick Merkel has really fine-tuned his offerings in a very very short timeframe. Earlier in the season, Merkel was finding himself - how his mix plays. He doesn't have the velo you'd expect in a man who shares the same height as Misiorowski, but, he has a massive 12-6 breaking ball that he has absolutely come into form. He's using his mix to perfection of late and I'm here for it. Yet another name to watch in the vaunted Mudcats staff. The thing that isn't an advanced stat, or statistically measurable in any way, that I absolutely love about RHP Will Rudy's game is he brings that former shortstop over-confident swagger that borders on arrogance. A bit of "F-You" on the hill, if you will. He is cocky when he has that ball in hand and I love it. He is in charge. The ump is an ornament in the frame. The batter is something he is to dominate and conquer. If this is the beginning of his career, we should be very excited to see how he grow and evolves. An incredible start and as you say @Smichaelis9, he is literally only just scratching the surface. I should also note: Go back and watch Rudy's second inning versus the Wood Ducks last week (Tuesday opening game on 5/23?). Robbed of a gorgeous 3-2 94 mph dart on the inner half to walk first batter. Clearly not pleased. Next batter spins a 3000 + rpm inside breaking ball called just inside (probably was) - gorgeous pitch. Mistake hanger next pitch ball goes to left center gap - fantastic play (showing why the Mudcats lead the Carolina League in fielding % and several other defensive categories) by Lara to Vargas nabs runner trying to stretch into a two bagger. Nails his final pitch where Sibrian frames it - an inside heater with nice rise jamming for a pop-up to shallow shallow RF. Just an inning that shows a little bit of everything outside the change-up.

I see C Blayberg Diaz was behind the dish last night. One of my most recent up-and-coming catching stable favorites. Just for a bit of insight (in the linked Game Notes above): I can't overstate how incredibly impressive the duo of Diaz and Sibrian is for Carolina. I will put them against any catching duo in Low-A and High-A. They are that good.

Not to mention the Mudcats are barely clinging to a 1/2 game lead. I said it this past weekend and I'll say it again here: that completely canceled Down East doubleheader this past weekend could be the difference in the first half. It was a truly unfortunate weather bomb. Why is this important? Well, beyond the obvious that we want our beloved Low-A affiliate to get into the playoffs the Mudcats also hold the current MILB worst 13-year playoff drought. They have to get that monkey off the back! As to when the first half officially ends, Greg Young discussed it in one of the Down East broadcasts last week? I'll go back and find it. 😝

<insert crying gif> SO excited for Big Jon. As a fellow dad, this father of two deserves every bit of this opportunity. He has been a model of consistency after a slow start in 2023. Here's hoping he takes it and runs with it.

OTA's this week. It appears Doubs and Love have built good chemistry this off-season as he is an early 'Go To' guy. And, reports coming out are glowing re: TE Luke Musgrave who is causing big headaches down the seam. Several comments of the "...he's just different than what we've had here..." AND, obvious addendum: this is OTA's. The AFL of the NFL season. It's fun to track but we can generally toss this out the window. Lots of injured absences (No Douglas, Jaire, Kraft, Dubose, Bakhtiari etc)

It is absolutely classic Bucks to have their two beat writers with zero scoop and zero interviews of purported new HC Adrian Griffin when we are now just about two weeks from the informal Woj announcement. Not even a single word or insight on a possible coaching staff? Nothing about the official announcement - is this delayed is the delay due to trying to assemble a coaching staff? Did Monty Williams' ridiculously large contract influence contractual negotiations OR are those already complete? Bucks will always Buck. The more things change...😂

For interested zealots, it is purportedly in the : Style: BHMBSMURKDBMBBT 😅

Here's a fun throwback from 2016 when RHP Thyago Vieira was considered the Mariners top relief pitching prospect. Fresh off a successful AFL stint and the sudden development of a plus slider: Read HERE RHP Abner Uribe: Take note, young man. Lots more work to be done.

Two morning/matinee games started things off in the lower levels - Nashville and Wisconsin, respectively. And they each started with a bang by grabbing two victories. In the evening, we had Biloxi and Carolina trying to round out an undefeated mid-week slate of games. We fell one game short as the Shuckers saw a late lead slip away in the eighth inning. Let's get into the report! Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic Game Balls: LHP Robert Gasser was absolutely fabulous in what was far and away his best outing as a Nashville Sound. It all came together and it was especially rewarding given his truly bad luck outing his last time out: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 9 K. This is the potential that is oozing from his deep toolkit. OF Blake Perkins continued his extremely solid work in the Sounds outfield. This week he's been leading off and today he put it all together: a two-run HR jack and a 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 1 R game overall. Fantastic work from the smooth moving young prospect. RHP Edwin Jimenez gets the nod for his deepest outing (6 IP), his second win as a starter in High-A, and generally just continuing to put forth solid outings every time on the hill in 2023. He won't wow you with velocity but he continues to demonstrate he can pitch with his blend of off-speed. C Blayberg Diaz gets the nod for a very solid night overall - behind the plate and in the batter's box. Read more below. We have another solid catcher in the stables. INF Ethan Murray gets the final salute here with more fabulous defense and solid production in the batters box getting on base three times and scoring what was a brief go-ahead run in the seventh inning. Transactions: (5/29 - announced late) INF Jamal Zalm was released by the ACL Brewers (5/30 - announced late) RHP Breijher Subero was released by the DSL Brewers 1 Final: Nashville 4, Charlotte (White Sox) 0 Box Score / Game LogGame Notes Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Robert Gasser Gifts Sounds Dominant Start in Birthday Win LHP Robert Gasser certainly looks the part - he has the eclectic blend of pitches that make up a solid lefty MLB rotation pitcher. And, today, he finally really showed out in Triple-A after some truly bad luck his most recent outing. I've opined in the past, given his truly fantastic aforementioned blend of pitches, if he could just consistently find the zone or nibble closer to it the rest will simply take care of itself. He did that, and quite a bit more, today to the tune of 7 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 9 K, 0 ER. It's outings like these that simply remind us why the Brewers targeted him at last year's trade deadline. The refinement of a pitcher often takes time. Let's hope, with Gasser, this is, the start of that clock! Three Quick Strikes: 1) He didn't turn many heads or impress all that much in his recent call-up opportunity, but that shouldn't take a single thing away from how fantastic OF Blake Perkins has played for the Sounds. Since his first game, he's been as solid and as consistent as anyone on the roster. He showed out, yet again, today. A two-run jack in the fifth inning (his second of the year) and a 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 1 R overall in the lead-off spot is a manager's dream. If nothing else, in 2023 he is definitely proving the Brewers right for signing him with a 40-Man spot in the off-season. 2) After scuffling a bit since his return from injury, it's a breath of fresh air to see one of my favorites in INF Cam Devanney find some production at the dish. 2-for-3 with a 2B on the day - it's important to remember we're still only dealing with a 76 AB sample size given his early season injury. I will continue to go to bat for this young man's game - when he is on and clicking he's as tantalizing an infield prospect as the Brewers have in the lower levels. It's a matter of staying healthy and finding that groove. 3) Meanwhile, in Canada, we salute the Sounds on-base maven of the early going, Mr. Abraham Toro. First AB with the big club today in Toronto. Pay dirt: What? It's a road series. Let's celebrate one of our favorite Sounds of the early going 😝. Final: Pensacola (Marlins) 4, Biloxi 3 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Shuckers Fall in Close Affair Against Blue Wahoos, 4-3 Pre-Game Interviews: Brewers Organizational Pitching Coordinator (and former Shuckers pitching coach) Nick Childs is now in the archive and, tomorrow, RHP Luis Contreras will be on the mic in the same place. Check them out HERE RHP Tobias Myers had a very effective blend of his curveball and change-up to keep Wahoos hitters off balance throughout his three innings pitched. He was likely pulled early because he took a 106 mph liner off the back of his head during the third frame! He stayed in the inning, he was even smiling during the mound visit, but none the less being so close to the Adames episode it was certainly a worrisome moment. We'll have to stay abreast of any developments as the week progresses. LHP Russ Smith came on in relief. He pitched an effective first inning but ran into trouble in his second frame with a lead-off jack over the wall in right field followed by an opposite field line drive single. All in all, Smith continues to struggle to find his footing in Double-A but is suffering from an absurd BABIP and, ultimately, settled down tonight after the long ball. We'll take it as a successful appearance. Three Quick Strikes: 1) If you would have told me Pensacola starter RHP Luis Palacios didn't throw a ball in the 90's his entire outing, you could have fooled me. He had the Shuckers bats entirely out of synch. He was mixing in an extremely effective blend of off-speed (primarily a change-up and slider combo) and repeatedly had the Shuckers batters off-balance and making extremely weak contact if any. This was as clear as ever when he got OF Jackson Chourio swinging and whiffing at a change-up that tailed outside the zone in a crucial AB in the 7th inning with two down and two men on. It was refreshing to see a pitcher showcase velocity most definitely isn't everything. It was equally frustrating watching several of the Shuckers at-bats. 2) INF Ethan Murray continues to showcase his defensive acumen on a near nightly basis. Last night it was a head first diving save in the shallow right field grass. Tonight, not only did he leap to save a liner and grab the first out of the fifth frame he also ended it with runners on second and third and two down on this web gem: There are few better all around infield defenders in the entire system. He's that consistently good. And, what's more, in 2023 he's doing some solid work at the plate. A very refreshing story in the early going. 3) Some final quick hits: After a single early, INF Tyler Black is now up to a 25 game on-base streak - two shy of Cooper Hummel's club record. RHP James Meeker now has a plus curve ball - a big development for his pitching future. We may see Freddy Zamora hit the shelf for a spell with a concussion - just a hunch after a scary and violent collision sprinting toward a fly ball in left field and crashing full speed into LF Isaac Collins (who miraculously held on for the final out). You'll see this play at 3:04:12 on the MILB.tv broadcast. This game came down to OF Jackson Chourio's rough AB with two men on and two down in the 7th and then RHP Robbie Baker's two mistakes that left the yard. That was ball game. The Shuckers fell five back of these same Wahoos after gaining a game last night. Final: Wisconsin 5, Peoria (Cardinals) 2Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: Rattlers Rally Past Chiefs RHP Edwin Jimenez continued his break-out 2023 campaign by pitching his deepest outing to date - 6 IP, 2 ER (2 solo shots), 5 H, 0 BB, 4 K. He picked up his second victory in High-A and greatly helped his squad grab their second consecutive victory. That's right: the Timber Rattlers have a winning streak! Just as importantly, they handed the Peoria Chiefs their seventh consecutive loss. How sweet it is. Remember, after the matinee, we get the home game post-game podcast: Full Game Highlights: Three Quick Strikes: 1) RHP Max Lazar grabbed the three inning save - 3 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K. He missed that third strikeout in his first inning by what must have been an inch, if that, on a glorious curveball on the outer stripe. He was walking off the mound, actually - it was a nasty pitch. He looked quite sharp overall on the afternoon. We just request one thing: stay healthy, Mr. Lazar! 2) INF Eric Brown Jr. was credited with a double error (fielding and throwing) on a two out chopper in the eighth inning. It was a play where he attempted to backhand the ball and it bounced up his glove and popped into the air. He ultimately should have eaten it. However, he barehand grabbed it and forced the throw late taking Hall off the bag and the ball down the line. The runner advanced to second base. We discussed it in our game thread (Start HERE), but his 10 errors on the season-to-date are more a product of forcing things or trying to get too much from a situation. I personally feel this is related to an over-confidence in his skills (and, they are quite delicious). In other words: with experience and practice he'll have to learn when to eat a play or when to dial it back. 3) I could discuss EBJ's 3-for-4 day at the dish driving his BA up to 0.272 but I am going to hone in on INF Eduardo Garcia. Garcia played what may have been his best game at the hot corner - making the very difficult look routine in a variety of ways. He also 'drove' in a run with a painful inside HBP with the bases dripping while also ripping two doubles. The first two-bagger was the T-Rats first hit of the afternoon. The second two-bagger resulted in what could have been a key insurance run heading into the ninth and final inning. The random feel good week of inexplicably advanced discipline at the plate is gone, sadly. But, it is still quite nice to see the young man find success at the dish. He finished his day 2-for-3, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 K, 0 BB. He and Joe Gray Jr. both continue to mightily struggle with anything off-speed down or away. It is definitively their collective Achilles' heel. Final: Carolina 9, Lynchburg (Guardians) 1Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Diaz & Parra Help Mudcats Hammer Hillcats 9-1 Let me start by simply sharing: the ump crew in Lynchburg tonight was, unfortunately, as amateur as it gets. The home plate ump clearly didn't know the breadth of the strike zone - under his watch it became an absurdly tight dead center box. The field ump was missing calls at 3B robbing a beautiful Diaz to Vargas throw out on a double steal - the runner was out by a good 3 feet yet he somehow casually called him safe. This same ump was letting men who blatantly flew out stand at 2B as if they'd hit a double. It was unreal what I was seeing in the first inning. Regardless, a game was to be played. The missed strike calls continued throughout. RHP Jacob Misiorowski suffered from the above mentioned tight zone early as he was robbed of at least three strikes in the top of the first. However, it's a testament to him he was able to maintain his poise Three Quick Strikes: 1) If you were to carve out a bit of time to watch one team in the Brewers system with a strict focus on quality of baseball, the Mudcats would have to be at the top of your list. These young men play truly solid defense. They play smart baseball. They play aggressively. They are managed extremely well by an up-and-coming leader in Victor Estevez. The breadth of their pitching staff is fantastic. And, they are improving at the plate on an almost nightly basis. Tune in early and tune in often. These young men are simply enjoyable to watch. 2) Let me take a brief moment to introduce you to yet another fantastic catcher in the Brewers system: Blayberg Diaz. He is extremely spry behind the dish and has some deceptive size to boot - he is every bit of 5'11" and 190 (I would imagine he's added some weight and sits closer to 195-200). He has a plus arm - he was robbed tonight of a gorgeous throw to third base from his knees. And, he has an ascending bat. Each time out, I've seen him put forth better and better AB's. I mentioned Sibrian last night. Tonight, I share with you Diaz. 3) There are plenty of things to check out in the box score tonight - shutdown pitching throughout with a mere three hits allowed. Offensively, a bevy of men were on base - every Mudcat touched the bags, actually, but OF Jace Avina who still managed to knock in a run. With this being said, and being a road series and all, I deliver you the only Mudcat highlight - a Jesus Parra bomb over the wall in left field: We'll be back to all evening slates tomorrow. RHP Caleb Boushley looks to put his walk woes of his last outing to bed in Charlotte. RHP Christian Mejias will look to replicate his fantastic last trip to the hill and give the Shuckers a 2-1 series lead. RHP Cameron Wagoner will look to stop hanging those curveballs and give his team some solid innings - let's be honest, it's been a tough start to his 2023 season. And, we're still 'TBD' for Carolina in Lynchburg at time of publish. As always, thank you for reading and thank you for supporting Brewers Minor League baseball! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scoresCurrent Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and DepthCurrent Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

A couple retroactive late-announced releases: (5.29) INF Jamal Zalm was released by the ACL Brewers (5.30) RHP Breijher Subero was released by the DSL Brewers 1

It is an affiliate week where two teams are on the road (Carolina and Nashville) and two teams will enjoy some home cooking (Wisconsin and Biloxi). The series openers ended up a 3-1 evening after the late and improbable T-Rats comeback. The Mudcats continued to lead the charge. The Shuckers gained ground on first place Pensacola. And, the Sounds lost a frustrating affair. Let's get into the report! Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic Game Balls: RHP Will Rudy fought a very tight strike zone and continued his fantastic Low-A work while picking up another win over five scoreless innings. C Jose Sibrian showcased his vastly underrated defense and arm and knocked in a three-run deciding home run blast for good measure. C Matt Wood continues to demonstrate the move to High-A is certainly not too big for his bounty of talent. He went 3-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB, and poked in the tying run late: (For even more C Matt Wood goodness, be sure to check his 'T-Rats Talk' HERE) RHP Luis Contreras continued to showcase those brilliant flashes I saw in Nashville were no mere illusion. He pitched 2 1/3 crucial innings of one hit four strikeout ball. When he is on, as he was tonight, he is truly a fantastic relief arm. INF/OF Tyler Black continued to dazzle at the plate with the game-clinching 2-rbi triple in the second inning and he also showcased maybe he has more defense in that bag than we all give him credit for: Transactions: (5/29) LHP Alex Claudio was sent outright and activated by the Nashville Solunds INF/OF Noah Campbell was assigned to the Nashville Sounds from the Biloxi Shuckers OF Roman Quinn was assigned to the Nashville Sounds from the ACL Brewers 3B Abraham Toro was recalled by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Nashville Sounds Highlights from the Week that Was: Take a look at the most complete starting pitcher in all of the Brewers Minor Leagues: Rodriguez was interviewed by Voice of the Shuckers Javik Blake for Sunday's pre-game (audio here). Let's revisit the most exciting young pitching prospect in the entire system: Lastly, let's remember why OF Jackson Chourio was given such superstar accolades to begin the 2023 season: Final: Charlotte (White Sox) 4, Nashville 2 Box Score / Game LogGame Notes Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Late Rally Comes Up Short in Loss After a one hour weather delay in Charlotte, the Sounds managed to get their opening road tilt underway. In the first, RHP Pedro Fernandez gave up a lead-off double down the left field line that caromed off the lunging glove of OF Monte Harrison. This double proved costly after a two-out knock through the left side of the infield made it a 1-0 ballgame. In their opening half, the Sounds played to the tune of three straight strikeouts. Fernandez gave up a solo jack over the wall in right field in the second frame. He carried that 2-0 deficit into the fourth frame where the Sounds managed to scrape a run across in a bases loaded no out situation. The Knights, however, tacked on two more. Fernandez left with his team trailing 4-2. It wasn't the sharpest we've seen the jack-of-all-trades hurler, but he gave his team (and, more importantly, the Sounds bullpen) a shot over 5 2/3 IP, 8 H, 4 BB, 2 K, 4 ER. Three Quick Strikes: 1) Last week it was Biloxi's IF Lamar Sparks. Tonight, it was a gorgeous OF assist from OF Monte Harrison grabbing the final out in the bottom of the third inning and maintaining the 0-2 deficit in the process. There is no margin for error on these throws. Harrison absolutely rose to the occasion and threw a dart nailing the runner by a good 2 feet. Take my word for it or: 98 mph over that distance is absurd. As was the throw. No thank you to the road highlight absence! 2) Every time the Sounds managed to pull within a run, the Knights managed to extend the lead back to two - they did so in both the fourth and sixth innings. It was that type of road opener. What's more, with two down after consecutive lead-off strikeouts from C Payton Henry and INF Noah Campbell (suddenly a second baseman?), the Sounds still managed to load the bases in the final frame. It was all for naught when rehabbing Luis Urias grounded into the final out down the third base side. 3) Let's tip our caps to the continued resurgence of RHP J.C. Mejía and the continued shutdown work of RHP Thyiago Vieira - 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 0 ER between the two. They gave their team that crucial opportunity over the final innings to make a comeback run of it. Unfortunately, tonight, the Sounds fell short. Final: Biloxi 3, Pensacola (Marlins) 2 Box Score / Game LogGame Notes Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Early Runs, Great Pitching Lead Shuckers to Series-Opening Win RHP Justin Jarvis was working as fast as ever and was extremely effective early. He was scoreless through 3 IP with a really nice curveball grabbing quite a number of looks as they crossed for strikes. Over the course of the entirety of his start, I would say Jarvis was effective; dominant at times (7K); but without his best stuff (5 2/3 IP, 8 H, 2 BB, 2 R). It was certainly enough to protect the early lead - especially important considering the Shuckers couldn't muster a single hit after the second frame. Three Quick Strikes: 1) The Shuckers on base streak record is 27 games. INF Tyler Black made it 24 games on a clutch two out triple to the wall in right field. There isn't all that much more to say about the offensive start to Black's 2023. It is, as the kids say: 'The Stuff' 2) INF Felix Valerio is now 4-of-6 dating back to Sunday. It's quite nice to see a young man rewarded with base hits after what seems like a steady year of extended periods of solid contact resulting in mostly outs. Now, these are all singles, so I'm not bringing out a megaphone here. However, we see 1 BB and 0 K. And, in general, it is simply nice to see a one-time blue chip prospect find some success at the plate. Let's hope it continues in the series ahead. 3) Major kudos are in order for RHP Abner Uribe who fought off a head-scratching display from the home plate umpire in the ninth and final inning. The first missed strike - a gorgeous curveball that cut the inner stripe in two - led off his inning with an undeserved walk. It got so testy for the relief ace, pitching coach Will Schierholtz had to visit the mound to calm the scene. The ump missed another strike 3 call as well during the same inning. It didn't matter, Uribe got the K swinging on another fabulous curve (his off-speed stuff was more dangerous than his heat tonight). He ended the game on a weak pop fly to shallow left field. The Shuckers moved within four games of first place Pensacola. Final: Wisconsin 8, Peoria (Cardinals) 7Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: Fernández Finishes Wisconsin Rally with Walkoff Single in Tenth Full Game Highlights: RHP Alexander Cornielle was looking to turn the tides of his season and, well, he did what he has done throughout 2023: he lost his stuff during a single blow-out inning. Tonight, Cornielle's off flavor was a five run fourth frame. With those T-Rats bats hiding in the basement early it felt like one run may have been the difference. This all miraculously changed late when a rally forced extra innings and the T-Rats did the unexpected flipping a 6-0 deficit into an improbable extra innings walk-off. Three Quick Strikes: 1) INF Robert Moore's three two-out rbi's were key in the comeback effort. Overall, he finished 2-for-5 while tallying his 20th rbi. In the process he managed to get back to the Mendoza line! Let's hope tonight's mini-surge is a sign of better things to come for the young and talented 2022 draft pick. There is an entire summer ahead to get hot in more ways than one. 2) After an unbelievable seeing-eye sky high chopper one-hopped over the 1B and down the 1B line into the outfield grass, RF Joe Gray Jr. threw an absolute one-hop dart to C Matt Wood who calmly laid the tag on the Chiefs runner at home plate. It was an absolutely crucial play. It was a web gem moment. It was a game-saving play the T-Rats desperately needed: 3) The Timber Rattlers giveth - a spectacular charging throw-out to third base from 1B Ben Metzinger to open the 10th inning on a failed sacrifice bunt attempt. The Timber Rattlers taketh away - RHP Brennan Jordan walked the bases full in the same 10th frame. The Timber Rattlers giveth - 1B Ben Metzinger and C Matt Wood execute a fantastic inning-ending 3-2-3 double play to preserve the tie and give their team a chance to walk it off. The Timber Rattlers taketh away - OF Je'Von Ward pops out a bunt weakly to the pitcher at the pitcher's mound. The Timber Rattlers giveth (and taketh the victory) - OF Eduarqui Fernandez ripped a line drive single into center field scoring INF Eduardo Garcia from second base. What a roller coaster walk-off! Final: Carolina 5, Lynchburg (Guardians) 1Box Score / Game LogGame Notes Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Adams and Sibrian Power Mudcats to 5-1 Victory RHP Will Rudy had an uncharacteristic start to his stellar early season when he walked only his fifth batter of his campaign. This was aided quite a bit by a fairly tight strike zone in the early going. He managed to escape the first inning unscathed, however, after C Jose Sibrian threw that lead-off man out at second base on a very nice pop and toss. This was a key grab as the second batter ripped the ball off the wall in deep left center field. The inning ended after an OF Jace Avina PO and OF Assist during a failed hit-and-run. INF Luke Adams ripped a solo jack in the top of the first frame. C Jose Sibrian golfed a three-run shot over the left field wall in the second frame. It was 4-0 before I could finish my first adult beverage. If only every game could begin so wonderfully. If only we had automated balls and strikes in Low-A. Yeah, it wasn't pretty from the called balls and strikes perspective. Three Quick Strikes: 1) I said it last week and I'll say it again tonight: INF Gregory Barrios is playing far beyond his lowly offensive numbers - numbers greatly damaged by his struggles at the plate in the very early part of 2023. He led off his evening with a smoked line drive up the middle infield for a lead-off single. He calmly let the pitcher throw to first twice. He then stole his 11th base of his season. Barrios is making better contact, he's playing more aggressively, and he's finding his comfort zone. This is a young player we should all be excited to watch as this season progresses. He ripped a two-out rbi single up the middle in his second AB. It's a night and day difference and I'm very much here for it. 2) I said it in 2022, but I'll say it again tonight (again, I guess 😅): C Jose Sibrian is plain a really solid backstop. He's defensively very sound, he has a plus arm, and he can occasionally do this: There's a reason the Brewers re-upped this young man. I simply propose to you, dear readers, this is yet another absurdly underrated catcher in the Brewers system. Hello, Brian Navarreto. Hello Brent Diaz. I raise you Jose Sibrian. 3) It wasn't the shutdown start we saw from Will Rudy, but it was quite nice to see RHP Yujanyer Herrera pitch to the tune of a four inning save. I still see those lingering episodes where he loses his release point and his control (4 BB tonight), but all in all, he has the youth; the size; the frame; and enough tools to work with to see if he can't find more consistency in and around the zone. Hopefully this comes with time - he has quite a bit of deceptive movement in his offerings. Tomorrow, LHP Robert Gasser will look to stop that ballooning ERA and bad luck BABIP in a game that starts at 8:05 am my time (yuck!). Rounding out the matinee session will be RHP Edwin Jimenez looking to build off of tonight's T-Rats comeback victory. In the evening, we'll see RHP Tobias Myers (and, hopefully, an improved array of heaters) in Biloxi and, as of the time of publish, we're still TBD for Carolina in Lynchburg. As always, thanks for reading and thank you for supporting Brewers Minor League baseball. Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article