Former Dodgers Pitcher Eyes Move to Japan

The right-hander was recently designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Andre Jackson never had a chance to become a household name in Los Angeles or Pittsburgh. 

The former Dodgers reliever is hoping a move to Japan will change his fortunes.

Jackson was designated for assignment last week to make room for Andrew McCutchen on the Pirates' 40-man roster. The move came as a mild surprise, since Jackson had performed reasonably well during his brief time in Pittsburgh.

Jackson, a 27-year-old right-hander, had a 4.33 ERA and a 1.122 WHIP in 12 games (seven starts) after the Pirates acquired him in a cash trade with the Dodgers in June. He struck out nearly a batter an inning.

As Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, Jackson's release wasn't entirely based on his performance:

Part of a plan, as Jackson wanted to pursue an opportunity in Japan. https://t.co/p0TfzPuCmP

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) December 22, 2023

There's a note of irony to this news.

The Dodgers have practically spent the entire month of December endearing themselves to Japan as the new employer of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto — two of the country's greatest baseball talents.

Meanwhile, Jackson is set to become the second pitcher in the Dodgers' recent employ to make the move across the Pacific. He does not have the same luster of an Ohtani or Yamamoto.

Jackson was used exclusively out of the bullpen over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers. After being called up from Triple-A in 2021, Jackson initially was used as the "bulk pitcher" in relief of an opener. 

He made only three appearances in the 2021 season but posted a 2.31 ERA across 11.2 innings. In his fourth and final stint with the Dodgers that season, Jackson recorded a save in the only game he finished.

Jackson struggled to begin the 2022 season at Triple-A Oklahoma City but still found his way into four games with the Dodgers near the end of the year. He allowed only two earned runs in 9.2 innings, good for a 1.86 ERA.

The Dodgers' bullpen was much improved in 2023, leaving little room for Jackson and his 6.62 ERA through seven appearances. He finally had an opportunity to start some games for the Pirates following the trade. 

Now, perhaps Jackson sees Japan as providing a longer runway for success.