Edwin

Jackson

Jackson, who last appeared in the majors back in 2019 with the Tigers, took to Instagram on Friday evening to make the official announcement. The journeyman right-hander put together a remarkable career, suiting up for 14 different teams over 17 seasons in the majors since 2003. His signature moment came on June 25, 2010 when he fired a staggering 149-pitch no-hitter against the Rays at Tropicana Field. It’s been a fun journey, Edwin.

Jackson has pitched for an MLB record 14 teams and could be looking to No. 15 to his ledger. The 37-year-old just earned a silver medal pitching for Team USA in the Olympics, though he hasn’t been with a major league organization since 2019. He had a 9.58 ERA in 13 starts and five relied appearances between the Tigers and Blue Jays. Perhaps a team will add him as organizational depth without the benefit of any August waiver trades, but it’s a tough sell.

Jackson is one of 37 players -- all on minor league contracts -- to be released by the D-backs this week. The veteran right-hander signed a minor league deal with Arizona in early February after posting an ugly 9.58 ERA in 18 major league appearances last season for the Blue Jays and Tigers.

The Dodgers would really prefer not to depend on these guys down the stretch, but they don’t have a choice. At least they aren’t throwing them against the Giants.

Jackson has been yanked around as possibly replacing Kaz Ishii this week, to being scheduled for two more rehab starts at least. Five runs and five walks in 1 1/3 innings at Triple-A will do that.

Jackson said he felt fine, but he just didn’t have any command. Only 16 of his 45 pitches were thrown for strikes.

With Brad Penny nowhere close to returning and the bullpen continuing to let the team down, the Dodgers are showing some signs of desperation. Jackson would be a better option for the rotation than Hideo Nomo, but he’s likely to pitch in relief since he’s much better suited for success in that role than Nomo is.

In total, the Dodgers reached deals with 14 players on the 40-man roster who lack the major league service time for arbitration or are minor leaguers.

The 20-year-old might make his third start Saturday in a doubleheader against the Giants.

The Dodgers won’t need a fifth starter until April 17 and have four off days in May. Still, the Dodgers won’t consider sending Jackson back to the minors. He’ll probably be used as a reliever in between starts. Jackson is still a pretty good pick in NL-only leagues, but don’t expect big things in the early going.