So what’s up with Parker? He was touted as the ace of the staff by many coming into this year. I had reservations with calling him a sure-fire ace, though. In 2012 Parker had thrown 20.2 minor-league innings before coming up and hurling 181.1 innings in the bigs. Combined, this was his first 200+ IP season in his career, more than 70 IP more than his previous high of 130.0 IP in AA-Mobile in 2011. Putting a young pitcher’s arm through that kind of wear and tear makes him an easy targets for a sophomore let-down.
Manager Bob Melvin stated that Parker is dealing with what I believe to be a “phantom” neck strain. Parker’s 7.34 ERA, 1-5 record and 1.98 WHIP and .345 BAA suggest it's much more than that. Parker will most likely get a stint on the DL to rest, and some "rehab" starts in the minors to work on his mechanics. If the Athletics pull a starter out of the minors, it will likely be Sonny Gray from Triple-A Sacramento. Gray owns a 3-1 record, 2.61 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 25/12 K/BB ratio through 31.0 IP this year; he’s probably better left on waivers for the time being. As for Parker, I don’t see a bounce back coming in 2013, but I hope I am wrong.
Bonus: Who doesn’t love some GIF awesomeness on a Tuesday? Reynolds Goes Way Out (.GIF courtesy of MLB on Tumblr):
Courtesy of MLB on Tumblr; http://drawntomlb.com/
The Boston Red Sox had an extra-inning affair with the Twins last night thanks to more back-end bullpen problems. Read about it in my “Close to Closing” piece from today.
Hot Shots:
National League:
- Andrelton Simmons is finding his power stroke with a .325 BA, 3 HR and 8 RBI over his last 10 games.
- Scott Feldman nearly went back-to-back complete game shut out before a finger cramp ended his night. Really? Yep.
- Anthony Rizzo had a 3-for-4 night with 4 RBI and a homer, he is warming up of late with 3 HR and 11 RBI over his last 11 games.
- Juan Pierre still is better at stealing bases than anyone playing right now, he got number 12 last night; Everth Cabrera is next in steals with 10 after nabbing two last night versus the Marlins.
- Brian McCann returned from the DL and the Braves started Evan Gattis in left field, pushing Justin Upton to Right
- Justin Upton has not homered since April 27th and has only driven in 3 runs in that homerless span batting .230 (6 for 26) with 10 strikeouts and dropping his batting average from .302 to .386 in the process.
- Cliff Lee defeated the Giants with 8 good innings and six punchouts; Domonic Brown hit one to the cove(on the bounce).
- Jedd Gyorko has now homered in back to back games.
- Hunter Pence is still hot at the dish adding another homer and went 3-for-3.
- Chris Capuano was defeated by Paul Goldschmidt and the rest of the Diamondbacks just admired. Goldie drove in 3 and went 3-for-3 off Capuano; he's now batting a ludicrous .800 against him (12-for-15) lifetime.
American League:
- Greg Holland blew a 1-0 lead for James Shields who cruised through 8 frames with 2 hits, 9 K and 102 pitches. Holland’s WHIP now sits at 1.67. Aaron Crow might just get his chance sooner than later.
- Joel Hanrahan blew a save and blew out his forearm; he’s likely headed back to the DL. Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara will likely share ninth-inning duties until Bailey returns
- Sticking with the theme here: Fernando Rodney blew his second save capping off a Rays letdown which began with a 7-0 lead.
- Evan Longoria hit a grand slam.
- Asdrubal Cabrera went deep twice.
- Jordan Danks hit a game winner off Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera in the 11th inning.
- Mark Reynolds is hitting .300 with 10 HR and 27 RBI and only 27 K in 100 AB.
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Follow Shawn on Twitter @CasKnowsRoto
