Parker strong in no decision: A’s starting pitcher Jarrod Parker ended his personal two-game losing streak on Wednesday against the Angels, pitching seven strong innings of one-run ball, however he was matched inning for inning by Angels’ starter Jered Weaver, as they both received no decisions with the game heading into extra innings. Parker established a new career high in strikeouts in the game, fanning eight batters while walking only one and scattering five hits, however his own offense was equally baffled throughout the game. His ERA now sits at 3.38 after the game. (Updated 05/23/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/23/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Parker had walked at least four batters in each of his previous three starts, so it was good to see him get under control in the game. He is one of the team’s top prospects, and has shown flashes of why that this, with four quality starts in his first six outings this season. He has 25 strikeouts to 17 walks in his 34 2/3 innings, and is set to make his next start on Tuesday during Week 9 (May 28-June 3), against a Twins offense that ranks just 10th in the American League in runs scored per game. He has upside, but should continue to be considered just an AL-only option, especially with just one start in the period. (Updated 05/23/2012).
05/20/2012 12:52 Brandon McCarthy hits disabled list with strained shoulder
The Oakland A's have placed opening-day starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right shoulder, the club announced Sunday.
05/19/2012 01:51 Giants' Zito beats former team
Barry Zito outdid his old Oakland team, Brandon Belt drove in three runs, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Oakland Athletics in the Bay Bridge Series opener 8-6 on Friday night
05/14/2012 11:44 Reality Check: Hamilton's unprecedented heights
The art of selling high in Fantasy is nothing new, but is it a sound strategy? Our Scott White shoots holes in the practice but has one scenario where it might pay off in his latest Reality Check.
05/13/2012 20:46 Verlander leads Tigers past A's
Justin Verlander struck out eight to win his fourth straight decision and the Detroit Tigers beat the ailing Oakland Athletics 3-1 on Sunday to salvage a series split.
05/09/2012 01:28 Inge's grand slam wins it for A's
Newcomer Brandon Inge hit a game-ending grand slam to cap a five-run ninth inning rally that led the Oakland Athletics to a 7-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.
If you think Jarrod Parker's 2011 numbers don't look like those of a top prospect, you're right, but keep in mind he was working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he had late in 2009. Control is typically slow to return for pitchers coming off that procedure, and that was every bit the case for Parker, who issued 36 walks in 66 innings over his first 14 starts. By comparison, he issued 19 walks in 64 2/3 innings over his final 12 starts, and his ERA was only 2.64 during that stretch. The strong finish earned him a spot start in September, when he shut down the Dodgers over 5 2/3 innings. The Diamondbacks' surplus of pitching prospects allowed them to trade Parker to the Athletics in a deal for Trevor Cahill this offseason, and though Parker goes to a tougher league with the move, he also has a better chance of winning a rotation spot out of spring training. His deep arsenal, complete with a sinking fastball, has long made him an ace in waiting, and he finally gets an opportunity to make good on that potential with the Athletics. He's worth a late-round flier even in standard mixed leagues despite his less-than-stellar supporting cast. (Updated 2/1/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start