Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
A's spring training Day 2: Parker's 'good nerves' during bullpen
Share This Post
Comments
Monday, February 22, 2016 - 5:15pm
Follow @joestiglichcsn

MESA, Ariz. – The biggest challenge for A’s right-hander Jarrod Parker on Monday didn’t concern location or velocity, but the rapid beating of his own heart.

Parker threw off the mound for the first time since the A’s opened spring training, and it was a milestone event for a pitcher that’s missed two full seasons because of elbow problems. He admitted feeling too pumped up, which threw off his timing early in his 26-pitch workout.

“No doubt,” Parker said when asked if he was nervous. “I mean, I was nervous yesterday just being here. Good nerves, for sure, because if you’re not nervous I don’t think you’re doing it for the right reasons. Today I was just excited and it came out and I was really happy with it.”

Parker will throw off the mound every three days for now – the other pitchers are going every other day. He said he doubts if he’ll pitch during the first week of exhibition play because he’ll probably still be building his arm strength.

[STIGLICH: Parker takes care-free approach to latest comeback bid]

Parker also isn’t throwing breaking balls yet, sticking with fastballs on the mound and mixing in change-ups on flat ground. The big-picture question remains whether starting or relieving is in his future. The A’s are stretching him out to start for now, but there’s thought that relieving might ultimately be best for a pitcher who’s undergone two Tommy John elbow surgeries plus a third procedure for a fractured elbow last May. Parker’s stuff might be good enough to make him an effective reliever just with a fastball and changeup.

“I have feelings on (starting or relieving), but I just don’t think there’s enough proof in what I’m doing right now (to make a decision),” he said.

Seeing Parker healthy and popping the catcher’s mitt was a far cry from May, when Parker crumpled to the ground toward the end of a Triple-A rehab start, suffering a fractured medial epicondyle in his elbow. A’s manager Bob Melvin said he had to look away from his phone when he watched video of the injury, and making it all the tougher was Parker had been nearing the completion of a long rehab from his second Tommy John surgery.

“He’s kind of been a little bit on the outside for years, doing things by himself,” Melvin said. “Rehab is a lonely, lonely experience, especially when you’re having to do it multiple times. To be a part of everything from the first day forward, I know, makes him feel a lot better.”

PROSPECT WATCH: Lost amid several prominent names throwing off the mound Monday was the presence of right-hander Raul Alcantara. Now 23, Alcantara was part of the package that came from Boston in the Andrew Bailey trade before the 2012 season (Josh Reddick arrived in the same deal).

[STIGLICH: Lefty Sean Manaea: The A's 'Samoan Randy Johnson']

By spring 2014, Alcantara was rated the A’s top pitching prospect before injuring his elbow and requiring Tommy John surgery. He returned to make 15 starts last season at Single-A Stockton, going 0-2 with a 3.88 ERA.

“This is a guy that a couple years ago was ahead of quite a few guys and probably one of the next wave of starters we were looking forward to seeing, but he was set back some,” Melvin said. “We know he’s eager to impress.”

NEW GUYS: John Axford, Liam Hendriks and Ryan Madson – all acquired in the offseason and expected to be major parts of the bullpen -- threw off the mound in the same session.

“All of them have different repertoires, but the common theme is they all throw pretty hard,” Melvin said.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

How would Giants pitchers attack Madison Bumgarner, the hitter?
1-on-1 with Denard Span: With Giants, 'everything is done with a purpose'
Highlights: Sharks lose back-and-forth to Avalanche in shootout
Highlights: Cousins double doubles, but Spurs run through Kings

Giants

Jamey Wright returns for third stint with Dodgers at age 41
Giants spring training Day 8: Span sees 'quiet confidence'
Bochy, Meulens see room for improvement from loaded lineup
Krukow: Pagan said right things, but 'his feelings are hurt'
Read More

Athletics

A's spring training Day 4: Who fits where in bullpen?
Josh Hamilton to start season on DL with injured knee
Gray shows the way for A's rotation hopeful Bassitt
Newly-acquired Davis 'can't wait to just ball out' with A's
Read More

Sharks

Rewind: Sharks come up short vs Avs, but trip a success
Instant Replay: Sharks hit late by Avalanche, fall in shootout
NHL suspends Blues' Reaves for hit on Tennyson
Long time Sharks defenseman Hannan retires
Read More

49ers

Eagles release two-time Pro Bowl defender
As 49ers 'kick tires' on QBs, Baalke evaluates available passers
Hyde last among NFL running backs in consistency ratings
Baalke assesses 49ers' roster: 'Good, young nucleus'
Read More

Raiders

Del Rio: Carr made 'significant jump,' still room for growth
Del Rio: 'Hopefully we'll get something done' with Penn
Del Rio: Mexico game gives Raiders chance to 'rise to a challenge'
Chargers to focus efforts on new stadium in downtown SD
Read More

Warriors

Rewind: Splash Brothers heat up at right time in Miami
Curry brings special guest to Warriors’ pregame vs Heat
Turning point: Curry's two 3-pointers in final 66 seconds vs Heat
Thompson after beating Heat: 'Steph does amazing things'
Read More

NCAA

NFL teams use scouting combine for more than numbers game
Wallace's hot shooting leads Cal past WSU
SDSU tops San Jose State to clinch share of MWC title
NFL Draft Big Board: Pac 12 LB on top; Goff out of Top 20
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Jamey Wright returns for third stint with Dodgers at age 41
HardballTalk

GIANTS VIDEO

How would Giants pitchers attack Madison Bumgarner, the hitter?
How would Giants pitchers attack Madison Bumgarner, the hitter?
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Giants spring training Day 8: Span sees 'quiet confidence'
  • Bochy, Meulens see room for improvement from loaded lineup
  • Giants spring training Day 7: Bochy flexible with bench
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A's spring training Day 4: Who fits where in bullpen?
Joe Stiglich

A's VIDEO

1-on-1 with Mark Kotsay: 'Eagerness, edge, expectation' in MLB coaching
1-on-1 with Mark Kotsay: 'Eagerness, edge, expectation' in MLB coaching
See more >

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: Sharks come up short vs Avs, but trip a success
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Highlights: Sharks lose back-and-forth to Avalanche in shootout
Highlights: Sharks lose back-and-forth to Avalanche in shootout
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Rewind: Splash Brothers heat up at right time in Miami
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

Was Draymond surprised he didn't face Whiteside more?
Was Draymond surprised he didn't face Whiteside more?
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

Instant Replay: Streaking Kings stifled by dominant Spurs
James Ham

Kings Video

Highlights: Cousins double doubles, but Spurs run through Kings
Highlights: Cousins double doubles, but Spurs run through Kings
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Eagles release two-time Pro Bowl defender
(5)
Associated Press

49ers VIDEO

Maiocco: Many questions still unanswered regarding 49ers QB situation
Maiocco: Many questions still unanswered regarding 49ers QB situation
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • Baalke assesses 49ers' roster: 'Good, young nucleus'
  • 49ers, Dial agree to contract extension
  • Kelly, Baalke on prowl to add big players to 49ers
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Del Rio: Carr made 'significant jump,' still room for growth
(15)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Bair: Del Rio calls out Raiders DBs, ready to make over secondary
Bair: Del Rio calls out Raiders DBs, ready to make over secondary
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Del Rio: Carr made 'significant jump,' still room for growth
  • Del Rio: 'Hopefully we'll get something done' with Penn
  • Del Rio: Mexico game gives Raiders chance to 'rise to a challenge'
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Matchups set for 2016 Copa America at Levi’s Stadium
(1)
Media Services

Quakes Video

But Seriously: How do women's sports improve audience?
But Seriously: How do women's sports improve audience?
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

A's spring training Day 4: Who fits where in bullpen?
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Giants spring training Day 8: Span sees 'quiet confidence'
(1)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Baalke assesses 49ers' roster: 'Good, young nucleus'
(21)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Del Rio: Carr made 'significant jump,' still room for growth
(15)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Rewind: Splash Brothers heat up at right time in Miami
See more >

JAMES HAM

Instant Replay: Streaking Kings stifled by dominant Spurs
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Rewind: Sharks come up short vs Avs, but trip a success
See more >

RAY RATTO

What Baalke is really looking for in next 49ers quarterback

WARRIORS AUTHENTIC FAN FRIDAY

aff

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

SHARKS AUTHENTIC FAN THURSDAY

aft

Buy tickets to Authentic Fan Thursday and receive collector edition cheer cards!



KINGS AUTHENTIC FAN FRIDAY

more

Buy tickets to Kings Authentic Fan Friday for free giveaways, cheer cards and a chance to be on TV!

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

How would Giants pitchers attack Madison Bumgarner, the hitter?
How would Giants pitchers attack Madison Bumgarner, the hitter?
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California