APPLETON — The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are off to a hot start in the second half of their season, they’re currently leading their division heading into Wednesday night and one of their top prospects, second baseman Tyler Black is a big reason for that.
“He just goes out there and plays to win, grinder type guy,”said Timber Rattlers manager Joe Ayrault. “He goes out there and battles. No matter where he is in the lineup or in the field. He’s going to win, coming to get you.”
Heading into the season, Timber Rattlers second baseman Tyler Black was the Brewers 7th ranked prospect. He was drafted with pick No. 33 in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Wright State. He’s eager to get to Milwaukee with the Brewers and start his big league career, but is enjoying this moment in Appleton.
“It’s definitely a goal to kind of climb the system as fast as I can,” he said. “I think for me, just being present and staying where I’m at now, I love it here in Appleton. I got a great group of teammates around me. Great people around me. Obviously, it’s a goal to climb the system, but I just got to stay here right now.”
One thing Black worked on this offseason was his foot speed.
“Just improving my quickness,” said Black. “Now, I’m starting to play a lot of different positions because of that and it’s opened up a lot of possibilities for me.”
Black knows that being versatile and trying new positions can fast-track him to the big leagues. Drafted as a second baseman, he’s been playing third and center field as well.
“It’s been a lot but I’ve loved it,” said Black. “I played center field a little bit in high school, but that was it. None in college. Getting out there again is fun. Being athletic, seeing different positions. I think the big thing going forward is just (gaining) experience.”
With that versatility and a great bat, as his batting average is hovering near .300, and his on base percentage (.408) and slugging percentage (.447) are in the .400’s, it’s just a matter of time before he’s moved up to the Brewers AA affiliate in Biloxi.
“It just gives me more possibilities to keep my bat in the lineup and I think that’s the biggest thing,” the Toronto native said. “Bottom line, it’s going to help the team win wherever I’m at. Just gives the manager options.”
Black is always eager to learn, he made sure to pick the brains of Kolten Wong and Mike Brosseau while the two Brewers were rehabbing in Appleton.
“They’ve been in the same position we have at some point going through the minor leagues,” he said. “It was great picking their brain, man. I try to take anything I can from those guys,” said Black.
