Schedule puts Parker in line for Opening Day start

PHOENIX -- A's manager Bob Melvin hasn't come close to announcing his Opening Day starter, but the pitching schedule he revealed for this week doesn't make it too hard to figure out.

Nor is it a surprise, if accurate.

With Jarrod Parker scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Friday against the visiting Giants, the right-hander is next in line to pitch March 5, March 10, March 15, March 21 (following a team off-day) and March 26 this spring. Five days from then just so happens to mark Opening Day, with the A's hosting the Indians at the Coliseum in a 7 p.m. PT contest.

The nod would be much deserving, with Parker having compiled a 25-16 record and 3.73 ERA in his first two seasons with the A's. It would be a first for the 25-year-old. For the A's, it would be their ninth consecutive different Opening Day starter, the longest such streak in the Majors.

Oakland christens the Cactus League season Wednesday at Scottsdale Stadium, with bullpen contender Jesse Chavez getting the start against the Giants. Lefty Tommy Milone is set to go Thursday at home against the Brewers.