A’s: Jarrod Parker vows to attempt to pitch again

MESA, Ariz. — Jarrod Parker spoke to the media for the first time since refracturing the medial epicondyle in his right elbow this month, and the onetime A’s starter said there is “no doubt” he will try to pitch again.

“I think to have the chance is all I have,” he said. “Luckily, modern medicine is what it is.”

Parker has had two Tommy John surgeries, and after two traumatic events such as the medial epicondyle avulsion fractures, he is likely to need a third, according to various medical experts. That’s based on the likelihood that the current graft performing as an ulnar collateral ligament has been too stretched and damaged to function at the level needed for a professional athlete.

The question will be, after repeat fractures, whether there is an adequate area to anchor a new ligament or even the existing one. If there is not, it is un-

clear whether a UCL repair will be possible.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the surgery April 1 in Los Angeles. ElAttrache, an orthopedist who has worked on

Tom Brady and Kobe Bryant, is known for cutting- edge procedures, and he has some unusual techniques for Tommy John surgeries, especially revisions; it’s possible he might be able to anchor a new ligament with just one drill hole, according to one source.

Parker said he’s unsure exactly what the surgery will entail, saying, “I don’t know if there’s a term,” but he knows that ElAttrache is using methods that are outside the norm.

“At this point, that’s where we’re at,” Parker said. “From what I understand, the technique he’s using is what’s needed at this moment. It’s the right choice and we’re doing the right thing.”

Jonny Venters is the only player documented to have returned to the majors after three Tommy John surgeries. No player ever has returned from a fractured medial epicondyle to pitch at the big- league level, but Parker is only 27 and he’s a model patient, a hard worker who has remained upbeat through many grueling rehabs.

“You always realize it could be worse,” Parker said. “It’s still a game. I’m a grown man playing a kid’s game and I have a chance to do that. There’s always a lot worse that can happen, whether it’s in the game or outside of baseball.” Doolittle doing well: Closer Sean Doolittle, who had some slight triceps tightness, threw a 20- plus pitch side session and is 100 percent, according to pitching coach Curt Young.

“He came out of it well,” Young said.

Doolittle will work in a minorleague game Wednesday, in part because it will allow him to work more on his off- speed stuff in

controlled conditions and in part because the A’s are facing a division opponent, Seattle. Several of Oakland’s relievers and even a starter or two ( Jesse Hahn,

Sonny Gray and/ or Rich Hill) might work in minor- league games this week because Oakland faces AL West teams four consecutive days.

Cuts: With at- bats becoming more scarce in big- league camp, utilityman Tyler Ladendorf and third baseman Max Muncy were sent to minor- league camp.

Both players have had stints with the A’s and could be options if needed this season, particularly Ladendorf, given his ability to play almost everywhere, including shortstop. Ladendorf might have been with Oakland most of last year were it not for a severe ankle injury.