Parra arrives with eyes on playoff push
O's acquired outfielder in Trade Deadline deal from Brewers
BALTIMORE -- Outfielder Gerardo Parra entered Camden Yards for the first time in the second inning, all smiles and stopping to introduce himself to new teammates and coaches in the Orioles' home dugout.
"I feel happy," said Parra, who was acquired earlier in the day and had a front-row seat to the Orioles' 8-7 win over the Tigers. "Everyone put their hand in for me and said hi, and I'm happy we got the win, it's a first-day win. [My mindset is] just come in positive, play every day hard and make the playoffs."
Parra, who was obtained from the Brewers for pitching prospect Zach Davies, has never played in the American League. Friday was his first career visit to Camden. Still the two-time Gold Glove Award winner, who flew into Washington and drove to Baltimore on Friday afternoon, said the events of the day didn't feel that weird.
Video: DET@BAL: Orioles booth discusses Parra trade
In 24 games this month, Parra was batting .435 with four home runs and a 1.212 OPS. The 28-year-old is batting .328/.369/.517 in 100 games this season and can be a free agent this winter. Because he's been traded during the season preceding free agency, the Orioles cannot make a qualifying offer to him and thus will not receive Draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team during the offseason.
Video: Orioles acquire Parra for a prospect
As for his recent surge at the plate, Parra said: "I don't want to think anything. I just want to play hard every day, try to help the team. We are here to win, I'm just doing the best I can and try to help the team make the playoffs."