Luke

Jackson

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.

The Rangers don’t really have room in their rotation for Rocker at the moment and they believe that his fastball-slider combo could be a lethal duo working out of the bullpen. It’s not the worst idea, and certainly something that would give Rocker ample fantasy value if he’s able to succeed in the role. He may be worth a speculative add for those chasing saves in deeper leagues.

The save was Garcia’s second of the season. Luke Jackson came into the game in the sixth inning as it appears the Rangers are easing him back into games before going back to high leverage work. Garcia allowed one run, but held on for the save. The 28-year-old left-hander has a 2.45 ERA in 22 innings this year.

Jackson made his first relief appearance since being struck by a 111-mph line drive during last Monday’s outing against the Rockies. The 33-year-old veteran figures to continue serving as the Rangers’ primary closer after managing to avoid a trip to the injured list.

The Rangers have been without their two highest leverage relievers for most of the week, so getting either of them back would be a big boost for their series opener against the Astros on Friday night. If neither one makes it back though, expect Shawn Armstrong to be the preferred option in the ninth inning once again.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed optimism that Jackson will avoid a trip to the injured list and could potentially be ready to pitch again on Friday against the Astros. It’ll likely be Robert Garcia handling any save opportunities in the interim.

Martin will attempt to play catch prior to Wednesday’s showdown against the Rockies and remains on the club’s lineup card. He’s obviously unavailable to pitch for at least a couple days, but it sounds like there’s a realistic chance he avoids a trip to the injured list. With Luke Jackson (hand) also hurt, it’ll likely be some combination of Robert Garcia, Jacob Webb or Shawn Armstrong getting the call in a save situation for the next few days.