Prospects Johnson, Thompson providing Minor relief

HOUSTON -- While the news has been far from positive at the big league level for the White Sox, there have been a ray or two of hope shining through from the Minor League side over the past few days.

Erik Johnson, the right-handed starter rated No. 3 by MLB.com among the organization's prospects, threw a five-inning, rain-shortened complete game in Double-A Birmingham's 1-0 victory Monday afternoon over Jackson. Johnson struck out four and walked one, lowering his ERA to 2.23 in 14 starts. Johnson has fanned 74, walked 21 and yielded just 57 hits over 84 2/3 innings, limiting opposing hitters to a .189 average.

In Monday's victory, Trayce Thompson knocked out three hits to give him six over the last two games. The outfielder is batting .435 with three homers, nine RBIs and five runs scored during a six-game hitting streak. The club's No. 2 prospect homered and drove in five during Birmingham's 9-8 victory on Sunday, and was named Southern League Hitter of the Week.