Parra increasing trade value with hot bat

MILWAUKEE -- It's no secret by now that the Brewers will likely be sellers come the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. While they have multilple potential trade chips, no player has been on a tear quite like outfielder Gerardo Parra.

Parra, a free agent at the end of the season, continued his success at the plate in Friday's 4-1 win over the Pirates, collecting his team-leading 27th multi-hit game of the season.

Parra jumpstarted the Brewers' offense in the first, doubling sharply into left field. He would later come around to score on a Ryan Braun groundout. Since taking over for Carlos Gomez in the leadoff spot, Parra has been a force. He's hitting .422 (19-45) in 12 games during the month of July.

Video: PIT@MIL: Braun opens scoring with an RBI groundout

"Since he's been [in the leadoff spot], he's been a really important piece of our offense," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said.

Parra didn't stop there. He doubled again in the fifth, this time to right field, and plated a run in the process. Then in the seventh, he smacked a ground ball that ate up Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez to score the Brewers' third run of the game.

Overall, Parra entered Friday batting .335 since April 25, good for fifth in the big leagues during that span. The mark ranks him behind only All-Stars Bryce Harper, Paul Goldschmidt, Miguel Cabrera and Jason Kipnis, while tying him with another in Buster Posey.

Video: PIT@MIL: Parra makes a smooth sliding grab in left

The Brewers acquired Parra from Arizona last season at the Deadline. Due to his contract status, recent play and versatility in the outfield, he could potentially be in another deal in the coming weeks.

Counsell, whose Brewers improved to just 39-52 on the season and are 9.5 games out of a National League Wild Card spot, knows what kind of player he has in Parra.

"He's been one of the best hitters in the league really," Counsell said. "He's been excellent. He's definitely set the tone of our offense."