Parker has surgery early; future uncertain

SAN FRANCISCO -- The A's announced Friday that right-hander Jarrod Parker underwent successful surgery on his right elbow, though the 27-year-old's Major League future remains in doubt.
Parker, who has endured two Tommy John elbow surgeries, underwent the procedure Wednesday in Los Angeles, two days ahead of the previously scheduled date. Dr. Neal ElAttrache used the previously revised ulnar collateral ligament graft to reconstruct parts of Parker's elbow. The orthopedist also reattached a tendon to the humerus bone and cleaned out bone chips and spurs in back of the elbow.
A's head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta related that Parker, who hasn't pitched in the Majors since the 2013 American League Division Series against Detroit, should be able to begin strengthening his elbow in about three months. But Paparesta added it was too soon to speculate on when or whether Parker might resume playing baseball. Parker refractured his medial epicondyle during a simulated game March 10 after originally fracturing it last May while pitching for Triple-A Nashville.
Said Paparesta, "When it's all said and done, I think it's best to just leave Jarrod alone and let him just kind of sit back and reflect upon the things that have happened, what he has accomplished in this game and what he's looking to accomplish in the future ... whether that's compete in baseball or play catch with his kids."
• A's infielder Eric Sogard, who was expected to start at shortstop Friday, was unable to play due to a neck injury, manager Bob Melvin said. This prompted the A's to replenish their personnel by summoning top-ranked prospectFranklin Barreto, 20.
"You've heard us talk a lot about him in the spring," Melvin said. "He's quite a talent."