Milwaukee, WI

Predicting the Milwaukee Brewers’ opening day roster with one week left in spring training

Published

12 months ago

March 19, 2025

Press Room

Predicting the Milwaukee Brewers’ opening day roster with one week left in spring training

PEORIA, Ariz. – The churning of the Milwaukee Brewers’ roster situation is enough to make your head spin.

Or worse.

“It makes me want to puke,” Pat Murphy said.

While the Brewers manager can hopefully manage to keep his insides, well, inside between now and opening day next Thursday, his club’s current roster situation is certainly queasiness-inducing.

Injuries are at the forefront of that. Starting pitcher Tobias Myers suffered an oblique injury Saturday that will land him on the injured list to open the year. Fellow rotation candidates Aaron Ashby and DL Hall already were injured earlier in camp. Infielder Brice Turang is battling a shoulder ailment. And then there’s reliever Nick Mears, who will start the season on the 15-day IL because he was sick and lost nearly 10 pounds, perhaps taking Murphy’s words a bit too literally.

“We’re up against it a little bit,” Murphy said.

Just a little bit?

“A lot of bit.”

In a matter of only a few days, the Brewers’ roster discussion went from seemingly set to feeling like it’s taking place on a chess board. Even still, Murphy declared the puzzle, one that has all the top members of the Brewers’ brass in a state of constant meetings, a fairly simple one.

“You guys can figure it out,” Murphy said. “You only have so many options.”

Challenge accepted.

Let’s see if we can’t deduce where the Brewers’ roster currently stands.

Catchers (2)

William Contreras, Eric Haase

Nothing to see or talk about here – it’s the one position with full health.

Infielders (7)

Mark Canha, Vinny Capra, Oliver Dunn, Caleb Durbin, Rhys Hoskins, Joey Ortiz, Brice Turang

From right to left positionally, Hoskins, Turang, Ortiz and Dunn are the regulars on the infield. The Brewers are adamant that Turang’s right shoulder fatigue isn’t going to require an injured list stint, but they still aren’t quite out of the woods yet on it and that makes it worth monitoring.

Vinny Capra has all but been told he has made the team as a backup infielder.

“I think you guys have deduced that since Capra can play shortstop he’s our guy,” Murphy said.

That leaves two spots on the bench still to be decided, with Canha, Durbin and Andruw Monasterio (you could throw utilityman Isaac Collins in there, too, though he’s been primarily an outfielder this spring).

Canha will have to be informed by Friday whether or not he’s made the club. He’s one of the veterans on the roster – Margot is another – with an opt out in his minor-league deal. Every sign this spring has pointed to Canha making the club.

All indications from Murphy have been that Capra and Monasterio were the ones battling for a bench spot most of camp, and Durbin was mostly grouped in a platoon with Dunn. Durbin hasn’t been told he made the team yet and isn’t necessarily a lock, but it would be a surprise not to see him included.

Outfielders (4)

Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, Christian Yelich

Also nothing to see or talk about here. Blake Perkins continues to recover from his fractured shin and Manuel Margot hasn’t looked nearly good enough on defense for the Brewers to be comfortable with him in right field.

Starting pitchers (4)

Aaron Civale, Nestor Cortes, Freddy Peralta, José Quintana

Unless the Brewers can find a way to keep Quintana off the roster on opening day without having to place him on the injured list, this will be their top four. They’ll need someone from the bullpen ranks, possibly Tyler Alexander or Elvin Rodriguez, to slot into the rotation for the time being while Tobias Myers returns from his oblique injury.

Relief pitchers (9)

Tyler Alexander, Bryan Hudson, Jared Koenig, Trevor Megill, Joel Payamps, Elvis Peguero, Elvin Rodriguez, Connor Thomas, Abner Uribe

This is where things get tricky. The injury to Myers opened up the floodgate for dozens of different permutations and possibilities for the Brewers. It’s what Murphy has been talking about in meetings with the Brewers front office members.

“We sat and went over every single scenario that we’re talking about right now,” Murphy said. “We didn’t solve anything. But I’ll tell you this – roster spots are very important and depth is so important on a team like this.”

Myers’ injury also could factor into how the Brewers approach Uribe’s looming suspension.

Previously, it seemed like they would open the year with him on the roster. With an off-day following opening day and a rested bullpen, it would be as good a time as there is to get the suspension out of the way.

Now, though, with only three fully-stretched out starters in the rotation, the Brewers are going to need as much length from the bullpen as possible. But if, say, Alexander or Rodriguez or Thomas are tasked with starting the home opener, their availability in New York would be limited. Would Milwaukee be too thin in the bullpen if a spot was used on Uribe?

You’ll notice that camp standout Craig Yoho isn’t on the roster. Murphy hinted that maintaining organizational depth would be at the center of roster decisions, and Yoho isn’t yet on the 40-man roster. He could very well open the year in the minor leagues.

If Yoho starts at Class AAA, that puts Uribe on the roster unless the Brewers dip into minor-league camp depth. That would mean Grant Anderson, who’s on the 40-man, would make the team.

Whatever the Brewers choose to open the year with, expect moves on the pitching side shortly thereafter. They have a cascade of pitchers with minor-league options remaining and could cycle fresh arms in as needed.

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Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Published

6 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Illegal dumping plagues closed Pick ‘n Save

Neighbors say since a Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.

MILWAUKEE – Neighbors say since the Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.

Trash piling up

What we know:

There are old mattresses and furniture in the parking lot. There are piles of garbage at the entrance of the old grocery store. Behind the building, there are tires, more mattresses and more trash.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

The Pick ‘n Save stores closed in July 2025. Since then, the building has sat empty.

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FOX6 News was contacted by a man who manages senior and family housing in the area. He said in the last couple of months, he has noticed the stile turn into a place for illegal dumping. The man said he was so fed up, he called the office of Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper about the problem. The man said the whole site is an eyesore, and something needs to change.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

Change sought

What they’re saying:

“As the snow melts, it’s full of garbage. People are dumping furniture on it, tires,” said Jeffrey Sessions, who manages nearby property. “If you drive around it, it’s garbage everywhere. It’s unsightly for the neighborhood, and it’s probably going to create rats and mice problems.”

FOX6 News reached out to the Department of Neighborhood Services. Officials said the dumping has not been reported. They said the department’s commercial team will now be made aware of the issue.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

“It makes the whole neighborhood look like garbage, like nobody’s taking care of anything around here,” Sessions said. “It’s a detriment, it’s unsightly, and it needs to be addressed.”

Illegal dumpers could face fines

Dig deeper:

If the dumpers are caught on camera, they could face fines.

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The owner of the property may also be ordered to clean it up.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

The Source: Information in this post was provided by a person who owns property near the former grocery store, as well as Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.

Crime and Public SafetyMilwaukeeNews

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Milwaukee, WI

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Published

18 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Travel to Ireland, learn how to catch a fish, visit wildlife at the zoo, and see costumed characters this weekend in Milwaukee.

Anime Milwaukee

The 2026 “Magical Academy” themed animation convention comes to the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., and Hilton Milwaukee City Center March 6-8. The weekend features Japanese industry guests and cultural experts, artists and official merchandise, gaming, music, dance, manga, cosplay, anime and Asian fashion. New this year is the Nocturna Anime Bar with a lounge and specialty drinks, including nonalcoholic beverages. Exhibit hall hours are 1 to 8 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8. Full weekend access is $100; single day access is $50-$75. animemilwaukee.org

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show

The 85th year of the Sports Show is at State Fair Park’s Wisconsin Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, from noon to 7 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8. Along with outdoor exhibitors, see what’s swimming in the trout pond, watch the lumberjack show and the fastest retriever race, or catch the archery and air rifle tournaments. General admission tickets at the door are $15; youth tickets (ages 6-14) are $6. In honor of Women’s Day on March 8, all women receive $10 admission at the door. Check out the full schedule at jssportsshow.com.

Gardens & Gears: Steampunk Faire

Celebrate the industrial age at the Gardens & Gears art fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7 at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. The immersive garden event features creators, costumes and live entertainment, with gears, goggles and handcrafted mechanical curiosities on display in the gardens. Domes admission required. mitchellparkdomes.com

Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Day

Everyone receives free admission at the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7. See the red pandas in their outdoor habitat, lions, penguins and more. Parking and regular attraction fees still apply. milwaukeezoo.org

Irish Family Day

Travel to the Irish countryside during “Passport to Ireland” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the CelticMKE Center, 1532 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa. With Irish dance, arts, crafts and storytelling, each county will be featured with an activity that celebrates Irish culture, history and traditions. Buy one, get one free Irish Fest tickets will be available to purchase, with lunch, beverages and snacks served in the Celtic Café. Admission is $10 at the door. celticmke.com

What’s new in Milwaukee-area theaters this weekend

Marcus Theatres: See a marathon of the 2026 Best Picture nominees at select theater locations. Day one of the marathon is March 7 and features “Sentimental Value,” “F1: The Movie,” “The Secret Agent,” “Bugonia,” and “Sinners.” The marathon resumes March 14 with a new set of films. Visit marcustheatres.com.

Milwaukee Film: Women’s History Month programming features the action films of Michelle Yeoh. See her Oscar-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” screening at 6 p.m. March 6 at the Oriental Theatre.

“Hoppers”: A robotic animal with a human mind helps real animals thwart a plot to destroy their habitat in this Disney and Pixar feature film. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Avalon Theater; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Rosebud Cinema.

“The Bride!”: A lonely Frankenstein (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask a scientist (Annette Bening) to create a companion. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.

“Protector”: A veteran war hero (Milla Jovovich) must use the violent skills she thought she left behind to save her daughter. See it at Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.

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Milwaukee, WI

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Josue Ayala has resigned from the Milwaukee Police Department days after he was charged with a crime over his alleged misuse of license plate-reading Flock technology.

Ayala, 33, pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted misconduct in public office during his initial court appearance on March 4.

The charge is a misdemeanor that carries a potential maximum penalty of nine months in jail and $10,000 fine.

Milwaukee is one in a growing number of communities nationally that have started using Flock cameras to help locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles used in violent crimes, and track vehicles associated with missing persons. The technology is controversial and been criticized by civil rights and privacy advocates.

Conducting searches for personal reasons is a violation of department policies.

Prosecutors say Ayala used the Flock camera system while on duty more than 120 times to look up the license plate of someone he was dating. They believe Flock technology also was used on a second license plate, one belonging to that person’s ex, 55 times, according to a criminal complaint, filed Feb. 24 in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Ayala joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 2017, and his total gross pay was about $120,000 in 2024, according to the most recent city salary data available.

Milwaukee police confirmed in a March 4 email to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Ayala has resigned from the department.

Ayala and his attorney Michael J. Steinle, of Milwaukee, would not speak to reporters as they left the courtroom.

Prosecutors say the department became aware of the allegations against Ayala after a driver saw that they were the subject of searches through the website, www.haveibeenflocked.com, which collects and publishes “audit logs” of searches of the Flock system by police agencies.

The driver saw that Ayala had searched the plate numerous times, which prompted the driver to file a complaint with the Milwaukee Police Department.

Detectives then audited Ayala’s searches in the Flock system from March 26, 2025, through May 26, 2025.

Ayala is at least the second Wisconsin officer to face criminal charges for misuse of the Flock system. A Menasha police officer was charged in January for tracking an ex-girlfriend’s car.

Milwaukee police began using Flock cameras in 2022. MPD has a $182,900 contract with Flock for the use of the technology. That contract is active through January 2027.

Court Commissioner Dewey B. Martin released Ayala on a $2,500 signature bond March 4.

Signature bonds, sometimes referred to as a personal recognizance bond, allow a defendant to leave custody without paying cash as long as they sign a promise to appear for their upcoming court dates.

Martin also ordered Ayala not to contact the two victims in the case.

Ayala also must report to the Milwaukee County Jail to be booked on March 9. If he doesn’t show up, a bench warrant will be issued for his arrest.

Ayala is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference on April 17.

David Clarey of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this story.

Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@usatodayco.com.

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