MESA, Ariz. -- 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; 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.