Edwin Jackson: Option for Braves Bullpen in 2016?
The Atlanta Braves added Edwin Jackson to their roster in August after being released by the Chicago Cubs.
The Braves, looking for bullpen depth at the time, have found a consistently dependable arm in Edwin Jackson, who has really thrived as a relief pitcher this season. A starter for his entire career, Edwin Jackson was moved to the bullpen by the Cubs earlier this year, and found success there. Edwin Jackson has filled the same role with the Atlanta Braves, primarily as a long reliever, but recently because of his consistency, Edwin Jackson has become the primary setup man to closer Arodys Vizcaino.
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Coming out of the bullpen this season, Edwin Jackson owns a 3.15 ERA in 54 innings pitched this season, including 22 appearances as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Over the past month, Edwin Jackson has been superb, accruing a 1.93 ERA in 14 appearances.
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The Atlanta Braves bullpen has been a significant weakness the entire season — especially following the injury to closer Jason Grilli in July and the trade that sent Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan to the Los Angeles Dodgers a couple of weeks later. Edwin Jackson has been arguably the most consistent member of the Atlanta Braves’ relief corps not named Arodys Vizcaino. His recent success begs the question: is Edwin Jackson a good fit to return to the Atlanta Braves next season as a reliever or a potential starter?
The 32-year-old Edwin Jackson could be an effective #5 starter in the rotation if John Hart and John Coppolella are unable to acquire an impact arm to fill out the rotation; but still, I think that Jackson could once again be a productive and effective member of the bullpen in 2016. Hart and Coppy have stated this week that their primary focus this offseason will be to ameliorate the bullpen — which has been the most significant flaw in the composition of the Atlanta Braves during the second half of the 2015 season.
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With the return of Jason Grilli, Shae Simmons, Paco Rodriguez and Chris Withrow, the bullpen should be better next season. Edwin Jackson’s presence could solidify the relief corps even more as a dedicated long reliever and a consistent right handed arm that Fredi Gonzalez can call upon.
As the 2015 season draws to a close, it’s exciting to look ahead to next year. Edwin Jackson has been one of the few good surprises during this tumultuous campaign for the Atlanta Braves, and deserves another chance next year to contribute.
Next: Atlanta Braves Host Cardinals in Final Series of 2015
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