Brewers’ Wiemer taps into power potential
The power has long been there for Joey Wiemer -- it just wasn't showing up as frequently on the field as he would've liked. But sometimes a single adjustment can open up a world of possibilities. In Wiemer’s case, it was more than halfway through the season while playing with
The power has long been there for Joey Wiemer -- it just wasn't showing up as frequently on the field as he would've liked.
But sometimes a single adjustment can open up a world of possibilities. In Wiemer’s case, it was more than halfway through the season while playing with Low-A Carolina during a series in Kannapolis in mid-July when he realized it was time for a change.
“The first game of that week, I think I was 0-for-4 with like three hard groundouts,” the Brewers outfield prospect recalled. “And the first at-bat of the second game, I had another hard groundout, and I was like, 'Dude.'”
After the rough start to that series, Wiemer got a tip from Mudcats shortstop Zavier Warren. After getting on top of a couple balls and having nothing to show for his hard contact, Warren suggested that Wiemer start a little lower and more into his load. Wiemer took that advice, got into his back leg a little more in his stance, and noticed the tremendous difference after a three-run homer in the fourth game of the series on July 16.
“I'd be interested to see my splits since then,” Wiemer pondered.
The 22-year-old’s suspicions of the damage he’d been doing to the baseball since then were accurate. That game was the start of an incredible stretch in which he’s gone deep 12 times with 26 RBIs while batting .374/.442/.804 with a 1.245 OPS over 28 contests.
Within the midst of that stretch, the 2020 fourth-rounder earned a promotion to High-A Wisconsin the day he was named Player of the Week in the Low-A East. Ironically enough, he got the call at the start of last week and was joined on the trip up the ladder by Warren, the teammate who helped him find his stroke.
“You're kind of in that flow state where I wasn't concerned about getting blown up by a fastball up and in or chasing anything out,” Wiemer said last week prior to his promotion. “I was kind of just, 'See ball, hit ball.' Not really thinking. Just going up there and playing the game that I've been playing forever. So, I think it translates pretty well.”
Wiemer’s first couple at-bats at the new level came with some nerves, and ended with a pair of quick strikeouts.
“I was like, 'Oh, hey. Welcome to High-A,'” Wiemer joked.
He went 0-for-3 in the first game of a doubleheader last Wednesday but collected his first hit for the Timber Rattlers in the nightcap. Of course, it left the yard.
Wiemer has hits in 10 of his first 25 at-bats (.400) at High-A, including four homers in that seven-game span. Overall this season, the Sylvania, Ohio native is batting .287/.397/.515 with 17 homers, 49 RBIs and 62 runs scored.
“It's actually kind of funny because my entire life, I've known I've had raw power. And it was a matter of getting to it,” Wiemer said.
The 12 homers that Wiemer has hit in the past month match his total from just a little more than two seasons and 121 total games at the University of Cincinnati.
While the promotion has likely been the highlight of this tremendous stretch for Wiemer, his final week with the Mudcats was something truly special. He went 14-for-24 (.583) with 12 RBIs in the series against none other than Kannapolis.
Wiemer homered four times in a three-game span throughout the week, two of which were walk-off winners on Aug. 5 and 7.
“To have that happen twice, it was really exciting,” Wiemer said. “I think I was a little more excited the second time just because you don't really get to do that very often.”
Both walk-offs came in extra innings. He won the game on Aug. 5 in much more modern style -- a two-run homer on the first pitch of the 11th inning -- and, of course, it was Warren standing on second when the ball cleared the fence. The latter game-winner happened on a three-run shot in the 13th inning two nights later. Both times White Sox right-hander Karan Patel took the loss.
Joey Wiemer is red-hot.
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 15, 2021
The @Brewers prospect has 8 homers in his past 11 games with 4 dingers in 5 games since joining the @TimberRattlers. pic.twitter.com/7KMEEYs67v
While the whole situation with the walk-offs was unique, Wiemer reached new heights during the game in between. In that contest, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound outfielder recorded his first professional two-homer game, including a grand slam, and set a career high with six RBIs, breaking his previous mark of three that he last matched in that July 16 game.
It’s a tall order for any outfield prospect to stand out in the Brewers’ system. Milwaukee boasts nine outfielders among their top 30 prospects, including top prospect Garrett Mittchell and third-ranked Hedbert Perez. That group doesn't even include 2021 first-rounder Sal Frelick. And all that’s waiting at the Major League level are 2018 National League MVP Christian Yelich, who’s signed through the end of the decade, and All-Stars Lorenzo Cain and Jackie Bradley Jr., who are both under contract through next year.
Due to COVID restrictions in Spring Training, Wiemer didn’t get to pick the brains of those outfielders. But it seems like he’ll have plenty of chances to figure things out. And until that time comes, he’s making sure to not get too far ahead of himself.
“I'm a big, 'Be where your feet are at,' kind of guy,” Wiemer said. “Just taking it every day. Because I know, especially with how I play, if I get lazy and take a day off, it's not going to end well.”
Gerard Gilberto is a reporter for MiLB.com.
Cyclones Club Four Homers, Top Tourists, 8-5; Drop Suspended Contest
- BOX SCORE (FRIDAY)
- PLAY-BY-PLAY (FRIDAY)
- BOX SCORE (THURSDAY)
- PLAY-BY-PLAY (THURSDAY) ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 9, 2025) — It was a home run derby for Brooklyn on Friday night in Asheville. RF Eli Serrano III, DH A.J. Ewing, and CF Carson Benge clubbed back-to-back-to-back home runs in the
Flash Sale - $14 Field Box Tickets for Games from May 13th - May 30th
- To Purchase Tickets -- CLICK HERE. (Use Code "xiv" ) FLASH SALE ALERT: There's been a lot of Roman Numerals in the news of late, so we thought we'd class things up with our latest $XIV Flash Sale. Starting Saturday, May 10th at 9:00 AM and running until 11:59
Tied In The Ninth, Cyclones And Tourists Suspended
- BOX SCORE ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 8, 2025) — A game that featured four different lead changes and four ties was too entertaining to be completed in one night. With the game tied at five, a runner at first base, 1 out, and an 0-1 count on SS Jesús Báez
Unknown To Untouchable: Anthony Nunez's Unconventional Path to the Cyclones Bullpen
There is no player on the Brooklyn Cyclones’ 2025 roster who has had a more dominant start to the season or a more adventurous journey to Coney Island than right-handed reliever Anthony Nunez. Through May 7, Nunez has been as effective as any relief arm in MiLB. The 23-year-old has
Tourists Rally, Tame Cyclones, 6-5
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 7, 2025) — 2B Marco Vargas continued a stellar start to his Cyclones' career, picking up two more hits and driving in a run, but the Asheville Tourists rallied from five runs down to stun Brooklyn, 6-5, on Wednesday night at McCormick
Benge Blasts Off, Cyclones Hold Off Late Comeback In 5-4 Win
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 6, 2025) — LF Carson Benge tallied a pair of hits and an RBI, including his second home run of the season, but it was RHP Saúl García who entered with one out in the ninth and recorded a pair of strikeouts
Jacob Reimer and Zach Thornton Collect Monthly SAL Awards after Amazin' April
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Brooklyn Cyclones picked up a pair of South Atlantic League monthly awards on Monday, as 3B Jacob Reimer was named the SAL Player of the Month, and the recently promoted LHP Zach Thornton took home SAL Pitcher of the Month. Reimer enjoyed an outstanding start to
Cyclones Close Out Homestand with 7-1 Win on a Soggy Sunday on Coney Island
BOX SCORE PLAY-BY-PLAY BROOKLYN, NY – (May 4, 2025) – The Brooklyn Cyclones defeated the Wilmington Blue Rocks by the score of 7-1 on a soggy Sunday afternoon at Maimonides Park. LF Jefrey De Los Santos went 2-for-4 with four RBI to pace the Brooklyn bats, while RHP Noah Hall
May the 4th be With You: Take $4 off Star Wars Night Tickets
- To Purchase Tickets for Star Wars Night -- CLICK HERE
- To Purchase Rooftop Tickets for Star Wars Night -- CLICK HERE BROOKLYN, NY (May 3, 2025) -- May the 4th has become a national holiday of sorts for Star Wars fans, and here at the Brooklyn Cyclones --
Cyclones Can't Complete Comeback; Fall to Blue Rocks, 8-5
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY BROOKLYN, N.Y. - (May 3, 20025) -- Despite a valiant comeback effort over the final two frames, the Brooklyn Cyclones fell to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, 8-5, on Saturday afternoon. Brooklyn trailed 8-0, but would plate five runs over the final two frames and bring
Cyclones Pitching Sparkles in 3-2 Win over Wilmington on Friday Night
BOX SCORE PLAY-BY-PLAY BROOKLYN, NY (May 2, 2025) – The Brooklyn Cyclones improved to 16-8 on the young season with a 3-2 win over the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Friday night at Maimonides Park. Major League All-Star RHP Paul Blackburn made the start for Brooklyn as part of his MLB
Reimer's Renaissance: 2022 4th Round Pick off to Hot Start in 2025
- Enter for Chance to Win a Jacob Reimer Signed Helmet -- CLICK HERE BROOKLYN, N.Y. - It’s tough to find a hitter in the South Atlantic League that’s had a more rewarding start to the season than Brooklyn 3B Jacob Reimer. Coming off a year in which he was
Baez Belts Two-Run Blast; Benge Boasts 5th Straight Multi-Hit Game in Loss to Wilmington
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Despite a two-run blast from 3B Jesus Baez, and a fifth straight multi-hit game from CF Carson Benge, the Brooklyn Cyclones fell to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, 8-7, on Thursday night in front of a TV audience on SNY. Wilmington’s victory was their first road win of
Reimer Clubs Three Home Runs; Hernandez Leaves Yard Twice in 15-1 win over Wilmington
BOX SCORE PLAY-BY-PLAY BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Behind a franchise-tying three home runs from DH Jacob Reimer, the Brooklyn Cyclones slugged their way to a 15-1 thrashing of the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Wednesday afternoon. C Ronald Hernandez also left the yard twice in the victory. The Cyclones scored runs in
Vargas Walks Off Wilmington in BK debut as 'Clones Tally Franchise Record Nine Steals
BOX SCORE PLAY-BY-PLAY BROOKLYN, N.Y. - In his first game with High-A Brooklyn, 19-year-old SS Marco Vargas provided a walk-off base hit in the 10th to give the Cyclones a 7-6 win over the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Brooklyn set a new franchise record, stealing nine bases in the game, topping
Ewing, Vargas and Marsh Coming to Coney Island after Setting FSL on Fire
BROOKLYN, NY (April 28, 2025) – The New York Mets today announced a series of roster moves involving the Brooklyn Cyclones. OF A.J. Ewing, INF Marco Vargas and RHP Chandler Marsh were transferred from St. Lucie (A-) to Brooklyn. In addition, RHP Ryan Lambert and LHP Zach Thornton were transferred
BlueClaws Batter Cyclones In Series Finale, 12-7
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY LAKEWOOD, N.J. (April 27, 2025) — RF Jefrey De Los Santos hammered his first home run of the season, but the BlueClaws tallied three runs in the first and added five more in the second, as Jersey Shore bested the Brooklyn Cyclones, 12-7, on Sunday
Saturday's Contest in Lakewood Postponed, Doubleheader to be Played in May
LAKEWOOD, N.J. - Saturday's contest between the Brooklyn Cyclones and Jersey Shore BlueClaws has been postponed due to inclement weather. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader when the Cyclones return to New Jersey in May. Brooklyn return to JErsey Shore for a series spanning from May
Benge Blasts Grand Slam; Brooklyn Pitchers Record 18 K's in 8-3 win over Jersey Shore
BOX SCORE PLAY-BY-PLAY LAKEWOOD, N.J. - Behind a grand slam from CF Carson Benge for his first home run of the season, the Brooklyn Cyclones took down the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, 8-3, from Lakewood on Friday night. Brooklyn pitchers struck out a season-high 18 batters in the victory. Benge was
Sizzling Serrano Sends Cyclones To 12-5 Rout Over 'Claws
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY LAKEWOOD, N.J. (April 24, 2025) — LF Eli Serrano III could not be stopped on Thursday night. The 21-year-old tallied five hits, three of which went for extra bases, as the Brooklyn Cyclones registered three or more runs in three different frames, defeating the Jersey
Díaz Dominates, Brooklyn Bests Jersey Shore, 2-1
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY LAKEWOOD, N.J. (April 23, 2025) — RHP Joel Díaz extended his scoreless inning streak to 15.2 innings to start the season, tossing 4.0 innings of two-hit shutout ball on Wednesday evening. Brooklyn's bullpen would carry the baton across the finish line, as the Cyclones used
Cyclones Can't Clip BlueClaws In Lid-Lifter, 3-2
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY LAKEWOOD, N.J. (April 22, 2025) — RHP Noah Hall continued his stellar start to the season, allowing just one run over 4.0-plus innings of work, however, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws scored one in the fifth and two in the eighth to snag a pitcher's duel
Báez Blasts Off, But IronBirds Snare Finale From Cyclones, 5-2
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY ABERDEEN, Md. (April 20, 2025) — DH Jesús Báez collected his second-straight multi-hit game, powering a solo home run off 2021 American League All-Star RHP Kyle Gibson in the fourth. However, the 37-year-old right-hander tossed 5.0 innings and allowed just one hit, guiding the Aberdeen
Cyclones Secure Series Victory With Win Over IronBirds, 4-3
- BOX SCORE
- PLAY-BY-PLAY ABERDEEN, Md. (April 19, 2025) — RHP Paul Blackburn tossed 2.0 innings of one-run ball in his first Major League rehab start, while SS Jesús Báez, 3B Boston Baro, and LF D'Andre Smith all tallied multi-hit games. RHP Jace Beck slammed the door over the
Thornton, Cyclones Hammer IronBirds In One-Hit Shutout, 5-0
• BOX SCORE • PLAY-BY-PLAY ABERDEEN, Md. (April 18, 2025) — LHP Zach Thornton continued his masterful start to the 2025 season on Friday night, facing the minimum and allowing just one hit over 6.0 innings, striking out a career-high-tying eight. RHPs Anthony Nunez and Saúl García tossed scoreless and