Washington Nationals: Edwin Jackson adds depth to staff
The Washington Nationals bring back the veteran on a minor-league deal. Edwin Jackson returns with another shot winning a spot in the rotation.
If you had the Washington Nationals bringing back Edwin Jackson in the fee agent pool, reward yourself with a few lottery tickets.
The battle for the fifth spot in the Nats rotation deepened Thursday night when Jackson agreed to a minor-league deal and an invitation to Spring Training. If he makes the big-league roster going north, he could make over $2.9 million in salary and incentives.
As this painfully slow off-season grinds on, it is a mild surprise the two sides reached a deal. Filling in for the injured Joe Ross, Jackson pitched well over his first seven starts upon his return to Washington. In late August, his ERA fell to 3.33 as he ate six or seven innings a start.
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However, once the calendar turned to September, things fell apart. In the last month of 2017, he went 0-3 with a 9.82 ERA. Jackson did not make the NL Divisional Series roster.
With Ross on the shelf as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, the last spot in the rotation now carries an open audition. Although there is a chance Washington springs for a higher-level starter, expect Jackson to join A.J. Cole, Erick Fedde, Tommy Milone and Austin Voth for the position.
The perception was Cole carried an edge for the job. Fedde must develop an out pitch to get fully ready for the majors. Milone, a contact pitcher, struggled last year with the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets. Voth had an off year in Triple-A Syracuse, spending time in Double-A Harrisburg and one start with the short-season A-ball Auburn Doubledays.
Bringing Jackson back in the fold plants a seed of doubt on what the Nats think about Cole’s chances. However, with the National League East race a laugher on paper, the Nats have time to find the right person to fill in this year. Ross is not expected back in 2018 while Fedde could use a full year in Syracuse.
If Cole struggles, Jackson is a known insurance policy that comes cheap. But, frugality has its price.
In 13 starts with Washington, Jackson went 5-6 with a 5.07 ERA. Over 71 innings, he allowed 75 hits and 25 walks for a 1.408 WHIP. When you consider his role as a fifth starter, you grit your teeth at his numbers and take them. But, his fielding independent ERA registered a 5.88.
Mr. Jackson was a lucky hurler.
Despite the move, Cole remains the favorite for the slot. But, his margin for error in the Grapefruit League shrunk. Stay tuned.