Another Parra Shines for the Diamondbacks
By Thomas Lynch
If Gerardo Parra sticks around long enough, he can help make the Arizona Diamondbacks a family affair. The outfielder’s brother, Geordy Parra, is a relief pitcher in the D’backs’ chain who ended 2013 at High Class A South Bend. The younger Parra just turned 20 years old and so far, his professional career is off to a pretty good start.
Geordy Parra is more than just Gerardo’s litle brother. Credit: milb.com
Geordy Parra signed with the D’backs as a 17-year old and immediately began pitching in the Dominican Summer League. He appeared in a total of nine games there before being promoted to the Arizona Rookie League in 2012. His numbers through the end of that season were solid for a guy who was still a teenager. In 21 games in both leagues, 12 as a starter, Parra’s record was 2-4 with a 3.15 ERA. In 71 2/3 innings pitched, he allowed 84 hits, 28 walks and struck out 72. In 2013, Parra blossomed at Missoula of the Pioneer League. The right-hander went 4-1 with a 0.40 ERA in 19 games covering 22 2/3 innings. He allowed 14 hits and 11 walks while fanning 35, allowing a single earned run. He then pitched four games at South Bend and allowed an unearned run in four outings, a span of 4 1/3 innings. Recently, Parra spent time in the Fall Instructional League where there were reports of his fastball hitting 99 on the gun.
Clearly, the younger Parra is now known more for being a true prospect than just Gerardo’s brother. Time will tell if we will see the two of them wearing a D’back uniform at the same time.
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