A’s P Jarrod Parker plans to return after likely third Tommy John surgery

Athletics pitcher Jarrod Parker plans to return to the mound after recovering from what will likely be his third Tommy John surgery.

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Oakland Athletics pitcher Jarrod Parker plans to return to the mound after recovering from what will likely be his third Tommy John surgery, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

“No doubt,” Parker told reporters when asked whether he would give pitching another chance.

Parker, 27, has not pitched since the 2013 season. He underwent his second Tommy John surgery before the 2014 season and has fractured his elbow twice since then.

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Earlier this month the team announced Parker had re-fractured the elbow joint connected to the ulnar collateral ligament, which is repaired during the Tommy John procedure. Parker will undergo surgery on April 1, and it will likely be Tommy John if enough bone remains in his elbow to reattach the ligament.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache is known for for some different, cutting edge techniques and Parker says that might be just what he needs at this point.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) March 21, 2016

Jonny Venters is the only other known pitcher to return to the majors after three Tommy John surgeries.

- Erin Flynn