Andre

Jackson

Jackson was released by Pittsburgh a few weeks ago to pursue an opportunity overseas and has finally landed a deal to pitch in Japan. The 27-year-old righty made 19 appearances (seven starts) this past season between the Pirates and Dodgers.

The move is a mere formality as Jackson is expected to sign a contract to pitch overseas in either Korea or Japan in 2024. The 27-year-old righty made 12 appearances (seven starts) for the Pirates this past season after being scooped up off waivers from the Dodgers. He’ll aim to build up his long-term value overseas next season.

Jackson winds up drawing the short straw as the corresponding move to free up a spot on Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster for franchise icon Andrew McCutchen to return for 2024. The 27-year-old righty excelled following a midseason move from the Dodgers to the Pirates and could wind up drawing some interest on waivers.

Jackson, who was picked up on waivers from the Dodgers in June, had a 4.33 ERA over 43 2/3 innings in seven starts and five relief appearances for the Pirates. That’s not bad, but he’ll still probably be crowded off Pittsburgh’s roster this winter. The control isn’t there for him to be very useful as a starter, and he might bounce back and forth between Triple-A and the majors in future years.

Jackson pitched five hitless innings in his first two appearances for the Pirates, but he’s since given up 18 runs with a 23/14 K/BB ratio in 28 innings. He might finish the year in the rotation anyway, but there’s little to recommend him.

It is pretty surprising that all of those walks came after the third inning. After keeping the Brewers off the board for three innings, Jackson walked the first two batters he faced in the fourth before Mark Canha grounded into a double play, which allowed Christian Yelich to score from third base. In the fourth, the 27-year-old walked the leadoff hitter before Andrew Monasterio smacked a ball into left field, which took an odd bounce and was ruled a triple. After Jackson walked his fifth batter of the game, he was quickly taken out of the game. He faces the Nationals at home on Monday, and even with the easy contest on paper, he shouldn’t be used as a streamer for that matchup.

Jackson was outstanding in his third start of the season. He got off to a great start, striking out the side in the first inning. He struck out two more to start the fifth before issuing a walk and inducing a groundout. Bobby Witt Jr. plated the only run against Jackson with a solo homer to lead off the fourth inning. Jackson recorded two outs in the sixth and walked a batter before his day was done at 86 pitches. He collected seven strikeouts with two hits and two walks allowed. The 27-year-old right-hander ends the day with a 4.46 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 43/10 K/BB across 42 1/3 innings. He’ll take on the Brewers in Pittsburgh next week.

Rob Zastryzny pitched the opening frame Thursday, and Jackson entered as the bulk reliever in the second inning. Both runs scored in the second inning and the 27-year-old followed that with five scoreless innings. The six-inning performance was the longest outing in Jackson’s major league career. Jackson induced six swinging strikes on 79 pitches, posting a 29 CSW rate on the night. If he appears as the bulk reliever next time out, he will face the Royals on Tuesday in Kansas City.

The right-hander did manage to punch out five batters on the night while issuing two walks. He allowed a two-run double to Luke Maile in the second inning, then served up a solo homer to Elly De La Cruz in the third — that was the extent of the damage done against him. Jackson got nine whiffs on 78 pitches in the game, posting a CSW of 28 percent. He’s likely heading back to Triple-A Indianapolis after this outing.

With rain — and possible tornadoes — in the forecast in the Pittsburgh area, there was very little chance that this game was going to get played. It’ll be made up as part of a split doubleheader on Sunday. Expect Saturday’s scheduled starters — Andre Jackson and Brandon Williamson — to start one half of Sunday’s twin bill.