Gamel makes the move to Triple-A

MILWAUKEE -- A week before Major League rosters expand to 40, the Brewers promoted their top prospect to within one step of the big leagues.

Third baseman Mat Gamel was shifted from Double-A Huntsville to Triple-A Nashville this weekend, though Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said the move did not necessarily portend another promotion next week.

"We haven't decided yet," Melvin said. "We wanted to see how he would do at Triple-A, and then we'll decide."

Gamel will play third base for Nashville, which ends its season on Aug. 31 in New Orleans. To clear a spot, Ozzie Chavez was sent down to Huntsville.

Gamel hit .329 at Huntsville with 19 home runs and a Southern League-leading 96 RBIs, despite a miserable second-half slump. After hitting .383 through June 30, Gamel batted .243 in July and .205 in August. He did hit in eight straight games from Aug. 13-21.

Defensively, Gamel committed 30 errors in 126 games at third base.

If he is promoted to Milwaukee for September, it is unclear how Gamel would fit in. Veteran Craig Counsell has been making the majority of starts at third base against right-handed pitchers, while slumping Bill Hall starts against lefties. The Brewers also have lefty slugger Russell Branyan on the disabled list with an oblique strain.

Asked about Gamel's potential role, Melvin wouldn't commit.

"It's tough pulling a guy from Double-A to the big leagues," Melvin said. "It's a little different environment."