A's RHP Jarrod Parker dealing with neck problem, may miss next start

Oakland Athletics right-hander Jarrod Parker has had a tough time of it in 2013, and it might be getting worse. After last night's loss to the Cleveland Indians, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote that Parker has been dealing with a neck problem all season and hinted that Parker may miss some time with the injury. His status should become clearer when he next throws. Parker says he won't throw today but will try tomorrow. How that goes will give #Athletics a better idea of the severity of neck problem. — Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) May 7, 2013  A's manager Bob Melvin called the problem 'a little neck strain'. Slusser said the A's have been aware of the problem all season but it looks as though it may have become more of an issue during this start. Parker gave up four home runs during the contest, including a 460 foot monster to Mark Reynolds. Parker said he is not getting his normal extension on his delivery, and also that he was uncharacteristically leaving pitches up in the zone as a result. Melvin agreed:  "It's not like him," Melvin said. "You don't expect him to get hit. The amount of home runs he's given up ... well, it's not him." Slusser speculated that a DL trip was likely for Parker because even if the A's just need a fill in for one start, they do not have an off day for over a week and would therefore need to make room for another pitcher. She suggested Sonny Gray, currently at Triple-A Sacramento, was the leading candidate to take Parker's place in the rotation if he does hit the DL. Gray was the A's top pick in the 2011 draft and according to scouts, is 'is pitching the  best he has since he was drafted'. His 4.26 ERA across Double- and Triple-A last season was not particularly impressive, but he has performed wall at Sacramento in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League this season, holding a 2.61 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 31 innings. Follow @mlbinjurynews Looking for fantasy baseball advice?