Brice Turang Is A Hitter First

Shortstop Brice Turang had not yet played a game above Class A, but that didn’t stop Brewers big league manager Craig Counsell from giving the 21-year-old regular Cactus League at-bats.

“One of Brice’s strengths is he plays with an aura of confidence,” Counsell said. “It’s swag, is what it is. 

“Sometimes, that can be seen as cocky for our generation of older people, but it’s not cocky. He just carries himself with the right amount of confidence.” 

The Brewers drafted Turang 21st overall out of Santiago (Calif.) High in 2018.

Turang went 6-for-33 (.182) at the plate this spring but excelled in the field as a late-inning replacement at shortstop and second base.

The coronavirus pandemic robbed Turang of an official 2020 season, but the Brewers made sure he remained on a player development track at the alternate training site in Appleton, Wis. Turang separated himself from others and even showed budding power not previously displayed.

“It was awesome, learning from all those guys, being able to find new routines, making adjustments, all that,” Turang said. “I just treated it like baseball and played and competed every day. 

“I’m always competitive in anything I do. Those pitchers were all so good. It was tough every day; there were no easy games. Baseball is baseball. You’ve got to step on the field ready to play, no matter how young or old you are.” 

That experience, in combination with another solid showing in big league camp, had Turang playing with the Double-A squad in minor league camp, suggesting an assignment there when the season begins. He has seen some action at second base in past seasons, but the Brewers believe he can play shortstop in the big leagues. 

“There’s always been some debate over what type of power Brice will ultimately have,” Brewers farm director Tom Flanagan said. “Brice just hits, and I think he’s a good hitter first. The power, to whatever degree, will continue to come.”  

MICROBREWS 

— Center fielder Garrett Mitchell was so impressive during exhibition play that the 2020 first-rounder out of UCLA will begin his pro career at High-A Wisconsin.  

— Catcher Jacob Nottingham, who missed most of spring training while recovering from thumb surgery, was reinstated from the injured list on April 22 and designated for assignment.