Early life

Parra graduated from Casa Roble High School in 2000, and American River College in 2002. While playing in high school, he also played first base. He was named the National Junior College Player of the Year in 2002 by Baseball America.

Baseball career

Minor leagues

On June 25, 2007, Parra pitched a perfect game against the Round Rock Express while playing for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds. This was only the third nine-inning perfect game in Pacific Coast League history.

Milwaukee Brewers

At the conclusion of the season, Parra had a 10-8 record. His 17 wild pitches tied for the most in the majors. His split-finger fastball was the most effective among major league starting pitchers.

On June 6, 2010, Parra became the 52nd Major League pitcher to strike out four batters in an inning. He did so against the St. Louis Cardinals.

After having missed the entire 2011 season, Parra and the Brewers agreed on a 1-year deal on January 12, 2012.

Cincinnati Reds

On February 1, 2013, the Cincinnati Reds signed Parra to a one-year contract. He pitched in the bullpen with the Reds as a middle reliever. On April 26, he was placed on the disabled list with a strained pectoral muscle, and he missed almost a month. From June 11 to July 28, he had a 19-game, 15.1 inning scoreless streak. In a year where he filled in for the high expectations of Sean Marshall, he shined, going 2-3 with a 3.33 ERA and 16 holds, striking out 56 in 46 innings (57 games). He entered June with a 6.23 ERA, and starting on June 11 to the end of the season, he had a 1.78 ERA in 35.1 innings.

On November 27, 2013, Parra agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract with Cincinnati.

Chicago Cubs

On February 22, 2016, Parra signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. He will earn $520,000 if placed on the 40-man roster, while incentives could bring the total value of the deal to $2.7 million. He was released on March 29 and re-signed with the team on a minor league deal the same day.

He was released on April 4, 2016.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]