Major League Baseball

A's pitcher Parker optimistic about looming elbow surgery

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:30 p.m. ET

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MESA, Ariz. (AP) Oakland pitcher Jarrod Parker is set for his third Tommy John surgery in two weeks and refuses to believe anything but the best. He's still a major league pitcher, though he last appeared in a major league game nearly three years ago.

Chances of returning from a pair of such surgeries are slim and only Jason Isringhausen and Jose Rijo have come back from three or more. Rijo reportedly had three such surgeries over a five-year span between pitching jobs. Parker wants to join the short list.

The 27-year-old Parker will have to adhere to a longer time frame, perhaps missing two more years before being able to pitch again.

Los Angeles-based Dr. Neal Elattrache will perform the surgery on April 1. Parker is prepared for yet more rehabilitation.

Parker, a 2007 first-round draft pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks, is 25-16 with a 3.68 ERA in 62 career starts, all but one with the Athletics.

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