GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Tyler Black still has time to make the Milwaukee Brewers' opening-day roster, manager Pat Murphy said last week.

But having missed the first week of games with a back strain, he's going to need to maximize the opportunities he receives from here on out.

The first came on Sunday, when the organization's No. 7 prospect as rated by the Journal Sentinel, made his Cactus League debut in a 12-12 tie with the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark.

Black made the start at designated hitter and finished 0 for 3, although in his final at-bat he drove the ball to the edge of the warning track in left-center. The initial plan had been for Black to play first base as well as some third in addition to DH, but third base is now apparently out of the picture.

Brewers 12, Guardians 12

Wherever Black plays, he needs to string together some good games offensively to make it evident the team needs his left-handed bat and speed in a reserve role.

"If he makes the team, I feel comfortable with him playing first or DH or coming off the bench," said manager Pat Murphy. "If he makes the team, I'm going to feel really comfortable with him. And those are his options. But there's other people there too that can be in consideration.

"We've got high hopes for for Tyler."

Sal Frelick, who fouled a ball off his foot Saturday, didn't appear to be moving too well Sunday but was in the lineup nevertheless and slugged a two-run, opposite-field homer to highlight a five-run second inning for the Brewers.

Frelick finished the day 3 for 3 with three runs batted in and two runs scored.

"Early spring," Frelick said. "Obviously good to hit one of those. Wind blows out here. But once games start, for me, it's 'go time.' You're still trying to lock in, obviously. The last week of games before you head to opening day versus the first week, you're going to feel different."

The Guardians jumped on starter Thomas Pannone for four runs in the first, but an error at third by Caleb Durbin opened the door for some of the eventual damage.

Pannone re-entered the game in the second but left not long thereafter with what Murphy termed a forearm injury.

Milwaukee was forced to use 10 pitchers in the game, with minor-leaguer Garrett Stallings unable to hold a 12-8 lead going into the ninth.

Right-hander Craig Yoho continued his strong work, striking out all three batters he faced in an inning of work. Of his 18 pitches, 10 were changeups – the offering that everyone keeps comparing to that of departed closer Devin Williams.

"It's good," said Murphy. "It's all about being ahead in the count, staying ahead in the count to get to (the changeup). But yeah, he was good."

Joey Ortiz had a triple among his two hits, and non-roster invitee Raynel Delgado had two hits, including a two-run homer, to raise his spring average to .364.

"He's been very impressive," said Murphy. "You're like, 'Wow, this kid does everything, plays the infield.' Happy for him. It's a nice option at that position, being able to move around the infield a little bit."

"I told him I was the video guy. He didn't know who I was. Asked him where he was from. He said Boston. I asked if he followed the Red Sox and who's your favorite player? '(Dustin) Pedroia.' I said, 'He sucks,' and just walked off. It was beautiful," Murphy, recounting a favorite story of one of his first-ever interactions with Frelick. Murphy, of course, coached Pedroia – the 2008 American League MVP – at Arizona State.

Top prospect Jesús Made went 0 for 1 with a walk and was thrown out trying to steal third late. He entered for Ortiz at shortstop in the fifth.

First baseman Blake Burke, the 34th overall pick in last year's draft, went 1 for 2.

Brewers at Reds, 7:05 p.m. Monday. Milwaukee LHP Aaron Ashby vs. Cincinnati LHP Nick Lodolo. TV – FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. Radio – AM-620.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers 12, Guardians 12: Tyler Black goes 0 for 3 in his spring debut