Luke

Jackson

Jackson, who was signed to a minor league contract 10 days ago, will join the Mariners pen after posting a 4.54 ERA in 42 appearances for the Rangers and Tigers this season.

Jackson has moved on to his third organization of the season after opening the year as Texas’ primary closer. The 33-year-old veteran was hit hard in three relief appearances for the Tigers before being cut loose earlier this month. He’ll operate in middle relief for Seattle if he’s brought to the majors at some point in the final five weeks.

The 33-year-old hurler refused his outright assignment to Triple-A Toledo and will once again peddle his wares on the open market. Jackson made just three appearances with the Tigers, registering a 7.71 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and a 4/5 K/BB ratio over 4 2/3 innings of work. He’s still talented enough that he should have no problem finding another team hurting for quality bullpen depth that’s willing to take a chance on him.

Jackson forged a 7.71 ERA in his 4 2/3 innings with the Tigers over three appearances. The 33-year-old will be looking for a new organization assuming he goes unclaimed, as it seems unlikely he’d accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Toledo.

Jackson represents a low-cost bullpen upgrade for Detroit after being released earlier this week by the Rangers after posting a serviceable 4.11 ERA across 35 innings (39 appearances). The well-traveled 33-year-old righty could potentially work his way into high-leverage spots, but he’ll most likely be utilized in middle relief for now.

It took roughly four months for Jackson to go from Opening Day closer to designated for assignment. The 33-year-old veteran right-hander has been jettisoned to make room for Jon Gray to return to Texas’ pitching mix after posting a pedestrian 4.11 ERA across 35 innings (39 appearances). He collected nine saves in his Rangers debut. It’ll presumably be Robert Garcia handling the closing duties for Texas until further notice. They’re among teams most likely to add some experienced high-leverage relief depth at the trade deadline.

The 33-year-old right-hander wasn’t messing around in this one, getting Ryan Noda on a bouncer to first base, Brooks Baldwin on a swinging third strike and Josh Rojas on a fly ball to center to end it. Jackson has fallen in the pecking order for saves in the Rangers’ bullpen, but he has still made good on nine of his first 11 chances on the season and has proven to be a capable option there.

Jackson was summoned to close out the game with a one-run lead over the White Sox in the top of the ninth inning. He gave up a one-out base hit and struck out the next batter before Robert Garcia replaced him for the final out. Garcia then gave up a double to tie the game before ending the ninth inning. Garcia should continue to work as the primary closer in Texas, though the situation could remain fluid with Jackson working into the mix.

Jackson hasn’t recorded a save since April 25th, but it was lining up for him to get another opportunity before the Rangers put up five runs in the bottom of the eighth. Jackson ended up taking the mound in the ninth inning with an 8-1 lead, but he didn’t do anything to disqualify himself from the next opportunity with a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Jackson came on to pitch in the top half of the eighth inning on Tuesday with the Rangers and Blue Jays locked in a scoreless tie. He plunked George Springer with one out in the inning and then intentionally walked Addison Barger two outs before getting Ernie Clement to line out to right field to end the inning. He then became the beneficiary as the Rangers scored two runs in the home half of the inning. Robert Garcia, who has been filling in as the closer while Jackson has been eased back in, worked a scoreless ninth inning to secure his third save.