Weekly Brewers Prospect Watch: Pitching prospects take center stage

The Brewers farm system is deep and rich in talent across the board. While still dominated by hitters, it's the pitching talent that has been jumping out this past week down on the farm.

Milwaukee's rotation currently has plenty of opportunities for pitching prospects to step forward. Robert Gasser is the most recent, giving up just one run over his first two starts and getting wins in both outings. He's up in the big leagues now, but what about the guys behind him?

Here's the important happenings from down on the farm on our weekly prospect watch:

Starting pitchers lead the way

The Brewers pitching development is arguably the pride of the organization. The work they can do with unheralded arms and turn them into big time prospects or serviceable major leaguers is the envy of the rest of the league.

One such arm is Carlos F. Rodriguez, who was a 6th round pick out of a junior college in 2021. He didn't make any headlines when he was drafted, but he's made plenty since. Rodriguez has risen to be a top 10 prospect in the organization. He struggled in the month of April with an 8.13 ERA, but he's turned it on in the month of May.

Rodriguez has continued his trend of quality starts, going six innings, giving up three runs, and striking out six on Friday. He has a 2.65 ERA in his three starts in the month of May and could soon push himself to the major leagues.

The Crew's top prospect following the graduation of Jackson Chourio, is Jacob Misiorowski. Misiorowski went 3,2 IP on Saturday, scattering three hits with no earned runs, dropping his season ERA to a spectacular 2.32. However, he also walked five in those 3.2 IP and has given up 25 walks this season in just 31 IP. Command is still a concern for Misiorowski as the Brewers try to develop him as a starter.

Brett Wichrowski, who was recently added to the Brewers top 30 prospects list, has settled into Double-A Biloxi. After a rough first start with the Shuckers, Wichrowski pitched five innings of one run ball last week and then this week, he did more of the same. Five strong innings for Wichrowski, scattering two hits, one run, one walk, with six punchouts. The jump to Double-A is a big one and Wichrowski has taken it in stride. With his stuff, he could move quickly up the ladder.

Over in High-A Wisconsin, Alexander Cornielle has been lighting it up. He went five scoreless this week, scattering two hits and striking out four. On the year, Cornielle has a 3.31 ERA while leading the Timber Rattlers in innings pitched with 35.1.

Josh Knoth, the Brewers Comp A selection in the 2023 Draft, had a rough go this week. He gave up four runs in three innings but struck out six. His season ERA sits at 4.50 through seven starts with 26 Ks in 22 IP.

Hitters that are crushing it

Ernesto Martinez has had a blistering hot month of May in Double-A Biloxi. The 6'6" first baseman has been hitting .360/.385/.520 in 12 games this month with five doubles, a homer, and six stolen bases. Martinez has been held hitless in just one game since April 28th. The 24 year old could see Triple-A soon if he keeps this up.

Carlos D. Rodriguez returned from the injured list this week for Biloxi. He was out since May 4th and came back to go 3-for-3 with a double in his first game. On the season, Rodriguez is hitting a cool .317 with a .395 OBP.

Eric Bitonti, 3rd round pick in 2023, has been crushing the competition in the ACL. Through 11 games, he already has four home runs to lead the ACL and carries a 1.019 OPS. On Saturday, Bitonti went 2-for-4 with a double and a homer as well as three walks with one of them intentional. His teammate, Filippo Di Turi is hitting .359 with three doubles, a triple, and 15 walks to just eight strikeouts. Di Turi has a 1.024 OPS along with three stolen bases.

Other Prospects to note

• Jesus Chirinos hit a walk off 3 run homer on Saturday to lead the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to a win. On the year, Chirinos is hitting .213/.297/.363 with 14 RBIs.

• Rob Zastryzny, who isn't really a prospect as a 32 year old with over a year of MLB service time, merits a mention because of his season in Triple-A Nashville. This year, Zastryzny has a 1.62 ERA in 16.2 IP with just three walks and 24 strikeouts. If the Brewers have a need in the bullpen, Zastryzny could earn a spot if the Brewers can find an opening on the 40 man roster.

• Wes Clarke earned a promotion to Triple-A last week. His first week with Nashville included a double and a home run, but he overall struggled. Clarke was just 4-for-23 his first six games with the Sounds with 12 strikeouts.