July 3, 2009

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Candace Parker is returning to action for the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday when they host the Phoenix Mercury.

The team said on Friday that last season's WNBA MVP and rookie of the year will be in the lineup for the first time since giving birth to her daughter on May 13.

Parker was cleared by doctors to begin practicing Tuesday. She has not played at all this season.

Last season, Parker started all 33 games she played in, led the league in rebounding and led all rookies in scoring and rebounding.

Parker's return couldn't come at a better time for the Sparks (3-5). The preseason favorites to win the WNBA title are next-to-last in the Western Conference and have yet to win a road game.