The Milwaukee Brewers opened up their slate of 2025 Spring Training games against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon. While no players participated for the full nine innings, the contest did present a bit of a look at the prospects and young players that are vying for a spot on Milwaukee’s Opening Day roster. And while there are weeks left to go before the roster is finalized, one player with just 20 games of Major League experience made an early loud case for a spot.
Milwaukee Brewers Shortstop Vinny Capra Hit 2 Home Runs in the Spring Training Opener
The Brewers fell behind 5-0 early in their first game of 2025 Spring Training, but ended up winning 8-7 thanks to the surprising power display put on by shortstop Vinny Capra.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Capra hit a three-run home against Reds pitcher Yosver Zulueta to make the score 5-3.
First tank of Spring belongs to Vinny Capra ‼️ pic.twitter.com/VUPnSPq50Z
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) February 22, 2025
The three-run blast scored Andruw Monasterio and Luis Lara, who had reached base earlier in the inning.
In the bottom of the ninth, with Milwaukee trailing 7-5, Capra came up again with Ray Delgado and Jimmy Herron on base. The Brewers shortstop launched a Alan Busenitz pitch out over the wall for his second three-run home run of the day, and giving Milwaukee a walk-off win:
VINNY CAPRA’S SECOND BOMB IS A WALK-OFF WINNER https://t.co/CqtJqm5grN pic.twitter.com/Kr9LYBB2yu
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) February 22, 2025
Interestingly, Capra did not even start the game for the Brewers. Joey Ortiz, who many believe will be the Opening Day shortstop, started and went hitless in two at-bats. Capra finished his day going 2-3 with two home runs and six RBI.
Capra, who was selected off of waivers by the Brewers in 2023, appeared in three games for Milwaukee last season, getting just one hit (a double) in nine at bats. He did, however, hit .261/.348/.382 with eight home runs, 53 RBI, and 10 stolen bases at Triple-A Nashville. Additionally, he clubbed 26 doubles for the Sounds.
Already on the Brewers’ 40-man roster, Capra could very well be in the mix for a spot on the Opening Day roster. He has never hit for power in his professional career, so two home-run days will not come often.
Other Interesting Tidbits from the Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training Opener
- Brewers first base prospect Ernesto Martinez Jr. hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning.
- Carlos Rodriguez pitched a scoreless first inning, allowing two hits and striking out one.
- Newly acquired infield prospect Caleb Durbin started the game at third base; he was 0-1 with a walk.
- Projected backup catcher Eric Haase was 1-2 with a strikeout.
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