The Oakland Athletics traded a third of their pitching staff from last year, shipping two starters and two relievers away in three separate trades. The most impressive overall haul probably came from the Nationals for Gio Gonzalez. But the most impressive prospect was most likely Jarrod Parker, who came from the Diamondbacks as the centerpiece of the Trevor Cahill trade.
And after struggling with his control this spring, Parker is returning to the majors to start Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox, according to Jane Lee.
Parker made a start for the Diamondbacks last season, and he also pitched a third of an inning in the NLDS, allowing a walk and two hits. He was off to a fine start in the Pacific Coast League this year, making four starts, with a 2.18 ERA, six walks, and 21 strikeouts in 20 innings.
Parker will take the place of Graham Godfrey, who was optioned to the minors last week after three unimpressive starts, including one in which he lost to the Royals (!) and one in which he allowed two home runs to the Mariners (!!).