​This is already the best story in baseball and he hasn't even toed the mound yet.





After not pitching in a big league game since the 2012 season with the ​Atlanta Braves, the Tampa Bay Rays have called up left-handed reliever Jonny Venters from Triple-A Durham.





2,086 days and three Tommy John surgeries later, the former All-Star will put on a big league uniform again.

This one is really fun.



We've selected LH Jonny Venters from Triple-A @DurhamBulls.



His last major league game was 2,028 days and 3.5 Tommy John surgeries ago. pic.twitter.com/IvgLMZMzJ4 — Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 25, 2018

To make room on the active roster the Rays optioned right-handed pitcher Hunter Wood to Triple-A.

#Rays Roster Move:

Optioned RHP Hunter Wood to Triple-A Durham.

Selected LHP Jonny Venters from Triple-A Durham. — Michelle Margaux (@mmargaux8) April 25, 2018

Over the course of his baseball career, the 33-year-old southpaw has had four Tommy John surgeries, three of which came in a four-year span. During his brief three-year career with the Braves, Venters was undoubtedly one of the best, most nasty relievers in the sport.





In 230 career appearances from 2010-2012, Venters posted a 15-10 record with a 2.23 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and had 258 strikeouts over 229.2 innings.

Fredi Gonzalez is to Jonny Venters what Brian Snitker is to Sam Freeman.



Favorite relievers of managers that get ruined by overusage. — Sam Hunter (@slamminsam25) April 24, 2018

The Rays have used their bullpen heavily, ranking 25th in innings pitched from their starting pitchers. Hopefully, Tampa Bay is smart in their use of Venters because of his injury history, but he plans on being a setup man for them from the start.





What amazing resilience Venters has shown through this tough time in his career. He persisted and now he's back in the show.





Good luck, Jonny!