If Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Tate Kuehner was looking to impress manager Pat Murphy, then consider his job well done on Thursday.

Kuehner, who split time between the Brewers' Double-A and Triple-A ballclubs last season, worked two shutout innings as the Brewers defeated the Texas Rangers 5-1 in Cactus League play.

In his two innings of work, Kuehner only gave up one hit and struck out four.

The Brewers battered Rangers pitching for 11 hits in the game, but they left 10 runners on base. That's something Murphy doesn't want to see happen too much when the 2026 MLB season begins in earnest.

Milwaukee took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Gary Sánchez singled to Rangers center fielder Wyatt Langford, knocking in Brandon Lockridge, who was on base. Tyler Black moved to third base on the hit.

Black, by the way, had another outstanding day for Milwaukee. He went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, two RBIs, and scored a run. It's going to be awfully hard to not have Black on the 40-man roster if he keeps on playing like this.

Speaking of Black, in the top of the fourth inning, he connected for his triple to Rangers right fielder Sam Haggerty. Lockridge and Cooper Pratt crossed the plate for the Brewers. That put Milwaukee up 4-0 at that point.

Aaron Ashby picked up the victory for the Brewers on Thursday. In the 2025 MLB regular season, Ashby put up a 5-2 record with a 2.16 ERA in 43 appearances. Ashby also had three saves during the regular season, too, and made one start.

Let's take a look at what Kuehner has done in his minor-league career. He's put together a 15-9 overall record with a 2.94 ERA. Kuehner has started 43 games and made 48 total appearances in the Brewers' minor-league system.

In looking at the Brewers right now, the team appears to be coming together quite well. Opening Day is still a little bit away, but getting things in gear now can pay off dividends down the road.

Brewers fans know that the ballclub wants to be better this season, going far beyond the National League Championship Series. It's been a long, long time since the Brewers won the National League pennant. In fact, it's been since 1982, when players like the legendary Robin Yount and Paul Molitor wore a Brewers uniform.

But that was then, and this is now.

The Brewers are going to aim at another National League Central Division title. Milwaukee has made the MLB postseason for three straight seasons. That's nothing to sneeze at one bit. 

Murphy has his team looking to remain competitive all season long. Right now, what happens in Spring Training can carry over to the regular season. 

If players like Kuehner and Black keep on having solid springs, then Murphy will have to decide whether they make the 40-man roster or get sent down.

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