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.