Jarrod Parker to undergo right elbow surgery

OAKLAND, Calif.-The Oakland Athletics announced today that right-handed starting pitcher Jarrod Parker will undergo reconstructive revision surgery to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow next Tuesday, March 25. Dr. James Andrews will perform the surgery at the Andrews Institute in Pensacola, Fla. Parker likely will miss the remainder of the season.

In addition, the A's announced that left-handed starting pitcher Scott Kazmir has been scratched from his scheduled start today against the Chicago Cubs at Phoenix Muni with left triceps stiffness. 

Parker, who has posted a 0-0 record and 10.61 ERA in three starts this spring, underwent a MRI and subsequent evaluation this morning in Pensacola. This will be the A's pitcher's second "Tommy John" surgery of his young career, having underwent the same procedure by Dr. Andrews on Oct. 28, 2009 while a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

The 25-year-old Fort Wayne, Ind. native went 12-8 with a 3.97 ERA in 32 starts for the A's last season, allowing only 178 hits while striking out 134 in 197.0 innings. In three starts in Arizona this spring, he had allowed 11 hits and 11 runs (all earned) in 9.1 innings, striking out eight batters and walking four.

Kazmir, who has posted a 0-0 record and 0.00 ERA (7.0 ip, 3 h, 1 bb, 5 so) in two scoreless outings this spring, was signed to a two-year free agent contract by Oakland on Dec. 4 after registering a 10-9 mark and 4.04 ERA for Cleveland last season.