Parker's throwing session Thursday was halted after he felt pain in his arm, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's too early to gauge the extent of Parker's setback, but his arm is apparently still not back to 100 percent. Expect the A's to release an update on Parker's status in the near future.

Parker is being targeted for a relief role this season, reports Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

EDGE Analysis

Slusser cites "several club sources" and indicates the decision was due to the risk of another elbow injury. The article notes that Parker has no immediate plans to throw his slider or curveball, making him strictly a fastball and changeup pitcher. The move makes a lot of sense for Parker and the A's after two past Tommy John surgeries followed by a fractured elbow he suffered during a minor league game in 2015. The A's will bring Parker along very slowly this season, even as a reliever, and he is unlikely to provide any fantasy value, at least in the short-term.

Parker (elbow) will face live hitters next week and could pitch in a spring training game before the regular season, Joe Stiglich of CSN California reports.

EDGE Analysis

Parker has thrown 35 and 40 pitches in bullpen sessions this week while mixing in changeups, per Stiglich and Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Given that Parker hasn't pitched since 2013, the A's are likely to give him all the time he needs to get stretched out as a starter and feel 100 percent.

Parker (elbow) threw another bullpen session Sunday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Parker had previously thrown a bullpen session Thursday and seemed to be coming along well, per Slusser. It would be wise to wait until the 27-year-old sees game action to expect that he'll be ready for the regular season, but these are at least encouraging steps for a pitcher who hasn't seen a game since 2013.

Parker (elbow) is ready for full workouts as spring training gets underway, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Bob Melvin will watch Parker throw a few times before determining when he will see game action, but it's a good sign for his status that he is already throwing from a mound and is not facing any limitations. If Parker can avoid any setbacks this spring he will have an opportunity to open the season with a spot in Oakland's starting rotation.

Parker (elbow) will be stretched out as a starter during spring training, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Parker's persistent elbow issues have kept him out of the big leagues for two straight seasons and he is less than a year removed from a season-ending elbow fracture. It's an encouraging sign that the A's intend to test his endurance and stretch him out as a starter, but it will likely be a gradual process throughout spring training.

Parker (elbow) agreed to a one-year contract with the A's on Saturday, avoiding arbitration.

EDGE Analysis

Elbow issues continued to haunt Parker in 2015, but he was able to avoid a third Tommy John surgery, instead undergoing a procedure to stabilize a fracture in his arm. Early reports on Parker's progress were encouraging, but it's uncertain where exactly he stands in his recovery.

Parker (elbow) was making sock throws before Tuesday's game, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports.

EDGE Analysis

He is obviously being brought along slowly from a procedure on his elbow earlier this season. If he can continue to rehab without complications he could be in the mix for a spot in the rotation next season, but as a pitcher with two Tommy John surgeries on his resume, expectations should be very low entering 2016.

Dr. James Andrews is pleased with Parker's progress in his recovery from elbow surgery, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Parker had surgery in May to clean up and repair a fracture in the same right elbow that previously required a pair of Tommy John surgeries. He figures to miss the rest of this season, and while he could be healthy for spring training next year, expectations will be modest.

Parker (elbow) had successful surgery to clean up and repair the medial epicondyle fracture in his right elbow Tuesday, the Houston Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports. His replacement UCL from his second Tommy John surgery did not need to be replaced, so the procedure was not as significant as it would have been if he needed a third Tommy John surgery. Still, he will likely miss the rest of the 2015 season.