Gibson believes Parra soon will shake slump
SAN FRANCISCO -- Gerardo Parra has been the spark plug atop the D-backs' lineup for much of this season, but recently he has been mired in a slump that has pervaded the clubhouse.
Parra entered Sunday just 1-for-7 in the series vs. the Giants, but the one hit was the D-backs' lone extra-base hit of the series, a first-inning double in Saturday's 4-3 loss.
His average has dipped from .299 to .282 during a 2-for-28 slump, but D-backs manager Kirk Gibson is hopeful Parra will turn it around soon.
"He's fine," Gibson said. "He got real run down at the end of the first half and got beat up in a couple of the plays he had. One against the Mets took a lot out of him. He's standing back [in the batter's box] better now."
As Parra limped to the All-Star break, Gibson even left his outfielder out of the starting lineup on consecutive days against Milwaukee. Although Parra has primarily been slotted at or near the top of the lineup in 2013 when facing a right-hander, Gibson gave him a rare start in the No. 7 spot Friday against Chad Gaudin. He responded to a start in the second spot Saturday with the first-inning double.
"There was only one [team extra-base hit]," Gibson said. "I'd like to see a lot more of them. You want to get multiple guys on -- especially in this park. There's pretty good gaps out there, especially in right-center field."