News
Parra's stiff neck not improving
Lefty in danger of missing scheduled start on Sunday
By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com
09/09/09 1:36 PM ET
MILWAUKEE -- The question was, "How are you feeling?" Manny Parra answered when he couldn't turn his head to see who was asking. The Brewers left-hander left his Tuesday night start against the Cardinals after just one inning because of a stiff neck, and the condition had not improved at all by Wednesday morning. The injury is not considered serious, but it leaves Parra in doubt for his next scheduled start on Sunday in Arizona. "You know how these things can go away after a day," Parra said. "I'd say this is the worst neck soreness I've ever had, but if it's like any other neck stiffness, it goes away quick." On Wednesday, it was definitely still there. "There's no way I could throw," Parra said. "It would probably make it worse." Parra arrived early on Wednesday for a variety of treatments, from heat to electrical stimulation to soft-tissue massage. The team enjoys an off-day in Phoenix on Thursday, so Parra will return Friday to see if he can throw his usual between-starts bullpen session. Even if he does not, it would not necessarily eliminate Parra from his start on Sunday. "A lot of guys at this point in the year don't even throw bullpens," Parra said. If he's unable to pitch, Yovani Gallardo would be available because the Brewers are skipping his turn in the rotation to limit his workload before going back to him on Tuesday in Chicago. More likely, according to manager Ken Macha, the Brewers would leave Gallardo where he is and use left-hander Chris Narveson in Parra's place.Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
