Andre Jackson was poised to have his first significant role with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2023 season after earning a spot on the team’s Opening Day roster, but struggled to find any consistency.
The right-hander began his year with three scoreless innings out of the bullpen and a save against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 1. His next appearance would come exactly a week later, when Jackson allowed three runs in two innings against the same team.
After a pair of rough outings against the Chicago Cubs, Jackson was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He later made two more appearances with the Dodgers before being designated for assignment in order to call up Ryan Brasier from OKC.
Jackson was with the Oklahoma City at the time as he had been optioned as the corresponding move to the Dodgers selecting the contract of Adam Kolarek.
It was the fourth time Jackson had been optioned, which left him with just one more before reaching the limit of five Minor League options per player in a single season.
The Dodgers ultimately traded Jackson to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. After making five appearances with Triple-A Indianapolis, Jackson spent the remainder of the 2023 season in the Majors.
In 19 games (seven starts) between the Dodgers and Pirates, Jackson went 1-3 with a 4.99 ERA, 4.90 FIP and 1.21 WHIP over 61.1 innings pitched.
Jackson didn’t have a decision in seven appearances for the Dodgers last year, but recorded two saves and pitched to a 6.62 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. While with OKC, the 27-year-old went 1-1 with a 5.86 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 11 games (one start).
The Dodgers originally selected Jackson in the 12th round (370th overall pick) of the 2017 MLB Draft. In parts of three seasons with the team, he went 0-1 with four saves, a 4.15 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 14 games.
Andre Jackson 2023 highlight
As a member of the Pirates, Jackson gave up only one hit and tossed four shutout innings in his final appearance of the 2023 season against the Miami Marlins on October 1.
2024 outlook
The Pirates designated Jackson for assignment in late December, and after clearing waivers, he elected free agency. Jackson will likely have to settle for a Minor League contract this offseason, but his young age and ability to pitch in multiple roles should be appealing to teams.
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