Brewers first-round pick Brock Wilken is off and running in camp. How are other prospects coming along?

PHOENIX – Almost since the start of Cactus League play, there has been a budding push on social media for Brock Wilken to be the Milwaukee Brewers’ opening-day third baseman.

“I mean, that’s awesome. But I doubt that’s going to happen,” he said with a laugh. “If it does, I’d be just as shocked as you guys would. But it’s cool the fans are supporting me right now.”

As Wilken discerned, the campaign has been mostly tongue-in-cheek (we think). But there’s no denying the 2023 first-round pick has been turning heads with his play thus far.

With one week down entering Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Fields of Phoenix, Wilken was batting .714 (5 for 7) in six games with two doubles, a team-leading four runs batted in and more walks (three) than strikeouts (two).

He’s also looked the part in the field.

“I feel good,” he said. “I’m just trying to go out there and compete. At the end of the day that’s everyone’s job, to go out there and compete pitch to pitch and at-bat to at-bat.”

Maybe the most impressive part of Wilken’s performance to date is the fact he hasn’t looked overmatched or out of place in the slightest – a good sign for a non-roster player who the Brewers are eyeing to become a contributor in the major leagues by next season.

“The game speeds up if you’re not prepared,” Wilken said. “My biggest fears – and I’ve always said it – are being late and being unprepared. So, I try to stay on top of those two things. Whether it’s on the field or off the field, being prepared at all times for whatever may come I think is the biggest part of slowing the game down right now.”

More than likely, Wilken will open the season at Class AA Biloxi with a bump up to Class AAA Nashville sometime around mid-season if all goes well.

In the meantime, he’ll take whatever opportunities he’s given and try to build off them.

“It gives me a lot of confidence going into the rest of the season,” he said.

Here’s a quick look at how some of Milwaukee’s other prospects have performed thus far.

Jackson Chourio

After going 0 for 4 Saturday, Chourio is batting .176 (3 for 17) with an RBI and six strikeouts. He’s logged the most innings on the team in left field (22) and third-most in center (11).

“I mean, it's obvious. The guy is going to be a hitter,” manager Pat Murphy said. “You can see there's so much there, and he's adjusting. He’s putting a lot on himself. You can see it. I'm really pleased with what's happening.

“It's like anything else. This is spring training, and he has to go through some things in the middle. That's it. It's kind of fun to watch, knowing the talent that's there.”

Jeferson Quero

In four games, Quero is hitting .167. He’s logged the most innings behind the plate – 19 – but has somewhat fallen victim to William Contreras wanting to play more early and Eric Haase also seeing substantial action.

Once Gary Sánchez begins playing games (March 14 or so), Quero will be ticketed for minor-league camp with a plan of action probably much like Wilken’s.

“Quero is a future star,” Murphy said of the non-roster invitee.

Luis Lara

The diminutive Lara is hitless in six at-bats over four games but has still earned acclaim for a pair of terrific diving catches in the outfield, one in center and the other in right.

“I’ve never seen him play poorly,” Murphy said after Lara’s catch in right, which produced the first out of the ninth inning and helped preserve a 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday.

“That kid’s going to be something special. He’s impressed me for sure. I won’t forget him.”

Tyler Black

Entering Saturday, Black had logged the most at-bats (17) and was hitting .235 with three runs scored and a stolen base.

He’s struck out five times and walked once – inverse to what he’s done in the minor leagues to this point – while seeing the lion’s share of playing time at first base (25 innings).

Black also has played three innings at third and has made several sparkling defensive plays at both spots (with a few miscues as well).

He’ll need to show he can play both spots in order to stick.

“He’s definitely a big-leaguer,” Murphy said. “He’s going to make his debut this year.”

Robert Gasser

The left-hander, a non-roster invitee, has made two appearances (one start) and logged an ERA of 6.00 with a WHIP of 1.67 while striking out three in three innings.

“I thought he did some good things,” Murphy said after Gasser’s two-inning, 42-pitch start on Friday. He allowed four hits, two runs and struck out a pair. “I loved his changeup. I loved his slider. You’re looking for somebody to get a swing and miss, and he can get one.”

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers' Brock Wilken strong in first camp; updates on other prospects