Top White Sox prospect Gordon Beckham learned today that he had been promoted from Double-A Birmingham to Triple-A Charlotte. Beckham, 22, was hitting .299 for the Barons, with four home runs and 22 RBI in 38 games. Beckham is expected to start at third base for the Knights tomorrow.

Beckham, the top pick of the White Sox in the 2008 draft, has long been seen as on the fast track to the majors. With the recent struggles of Sox third baseman Josh Fields, Beckham has received an opportunity to get a few starts at third base for the Barons.

This move likely means that the Sox still feel they are in the race, and are prepared to promote Beckham to the big leagues to start at third base. While his offensive numbers, rare at the shortstop position, may not fit the typical power profile of a third baseman, his average would be a boon to a lineup ranking near the bottom of the American League.