Gamel finding comfort in majors

Over the last week, he has hit .304 with a .429 on-base percentage. Gamel is hitting a modest .244 overall with two home runs and 12 RBI in 31 games after hitting .336 with eight homers and 31 RBI in 33 games with Nashville. His numbers with the Brewers can be a bit deceiving. Gamel is 1 for 10 as a pinch hitter and 19 for 72 (.264) with a .346 OBP otherwise.

Even if he isn't playing every day, Gamel's spot on the club is secure for now. When he was brought up, the Brewers wanted to get him a taste of the big-league life and decide later if he would last beyond interleague play, when he could be the designated hitter in road games. But with third baseman Bill Hall still not producing, second baseman Rickie Weeks out for the season and infielder Casey McGehee playing through knee tendinitis, Gamel is still needed and if he can get hot, it is possible he can earn the everyday job at third.

"Mat Gamel's on the ballclub," general manager Doug Melvin said. "He's done a good job. You take away his pinch-hitting appearances, it's a different average. "We don't have any moves coming up."

JSOnline