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Edwin Jackson: Braves Sign Veteran RHP for Remainder of 2015

By Jonathan Savitske

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The Atlanta Braves have added veteran righty Edwin Jackson on Friday afternoon and is projected to be added to the Braves’ relief corps.

In a corresponding move, Ryan Kelly was optioned to AAA Gwinnett yesterday following a rough outing against the Rays. Edwin Jackson has been a member of the Chicago Cubs since 2013 when he signed a 4 year, $52 million contract with the team.

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Jackson stuggled during his time in the North-Side of Chicago for the past two years, eventually leading to his exile in the Cubs’ bullpen. In 2014, Jackson notched a 6-15  record with a 6.33 ERA. Despite his struggles in Cubs’ uniform, Edwin Jackson has performed well this season coming out of the bullpen.

The Chicago Cubs released Edwin Jackson on July 27th, and has been out of a job since then. Since the Cubs will have to pay for the remainder of his contract with the team, it makes sense that the reclamation hungry Braves would sign him. Jackson and Pitching Coach Roger McDowell have a rapport during their time together on the Los Angeles Dodgers. McDowell has a penchant for getting the most out of struggling veteran pitchers, as evidenced last season with Aaron Harang.

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The Atlanta Braves discussed a potential trade with the Cubs during the off-season that would have sent Melvin Upton, Jr. to the Chicago in exchange for Jackson before the fateful transaction that sent both Upton and the beloved Craig Kimbrel to the San Diego Padres. I think it is safe to assume that the Braves got a better haul from the Padres than just a bad contract swap with the Cubbies.

Edwin Jackson will become the 28th different player to pitch out of the bullpen for the Atlanta Braves in the 2015 season — a new franchise record. With the Braves’ relief corps possessing a dismal 4.24 ERA, Jackson will be an improvement to the bullpen and can provide long relief in the event that a starter is bounced early.

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Overall, this is a solid acquisition for the Atlanta Braves, who at the moment can take a risk on a veteran pitcher seeking to reclaim his career. With the Braves currently out of contention, it makes sense they would add another veteran who at the very least can attempt to provide some stability to the bullpen and leadership to a re-tooling clubhouse.

Edwin Jackson will be available to pitch tonight as the Braves open up a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Turner Field.

Next: Atlanta Braves Host D-Backs for Weekend Series

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