Damian

Jackson

Jackson is returning to the team which gave him nearly 1,200 at-bats over a three-year span from 1999-2001. He won’t get that kind of playing time now, but he can be a useful 25th man.

He’s expected back today.

It’s believed that the Mets have some interest.

In return for Jackson, the Rockies would want a prospect who wouldn’t need to be placed on the 40-man roster.

Playing in Coors Field would have to be an attractive option for Jackson, who hit .261 in 161 at-bats for the Red Sox last season. He’d be a better option than Royce Clayton as a regular shortstop and might also be able to outplay Aaron Miles at second.

Unless the Cardinals want to make Jackson their starting second baseman -- not an attractive option -- the free agent should pick Colorado. If things go well for the Rockies, they’ll have contracts with Jackson, Royce Clayton and Mike Sweeney finalized this week, allowing them to start focusing on pitching.

He could return the next time the team needs an infielder.

With Joe Randa due back in the lineup tomorrow, and with Angel Berroa at short and Tony Graffanino and Desi Relaford sharing second base, the team does not need both Jackson and Rule 5 pick Jose Bautista on the 25-man roster as backups. One will have to go.

Jackson, who started at third base in place of Joe Randa, went 0-for-6 while his teammates were combining to score 12 runs.

With Bernie Castro and now Henry Mateo up, Jackson hadn’t been seeing any action lately. He was hitless in eight at-bats this month, leaving him at .198/.295/.371 for the season. Perhaps this will allow him to join a contender in September. Jackson’s versatility still makes him a decent option as a 25th man, and he was hitting well for a time this year.