Former SF Giants fan favorite receives call-up from Blue Jays

Former SF Giants fan favorite reliever Jay Jackson made his scoreless debut for the Toronto Blue Jays last weekend.

Former SF Giants reliever Jay Jackson made his debut for the Toronto Blue Jays in their win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. After impressing the Blue Jays in spring training, Jackson was released when there wasn't room for him on the active roster. Jackson, of course, was a contributor out of the Giants bullpen during the 2021 season.

SF Giants pitcher Jay Jackson throws a pitch. (2021) / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

But just four days later, he reached a new agreement with them, and was immediately optioned to their triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons. He was called up Saturday to support a battered bullpen, and delivered a scoreless inning to bring home a win.

Jay Jackson’s 16-year pro career has taken him around the world to play baseball.

Congrats on a scoreless #BlueJays debut, @Jaxland58! pic.twitter.com/p3nlRDm4sU

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 7, 2023

Jackson, a journeyman, has played for five major league clubs in his veteran tenure, but has spent most of his career in the minor leagues. Having clocked nearly 1000 innings in the minors and even logging time in Mexico and Japan, his stint in San Francisco was the just the second time in his career getting 20+ innings of major league play. 

During his time in San Francisco, Jackson grew to be a fan favorite for the Giants and the front office that signed him. He was an effective middle reliever with the Giants, posting a 3.74 ERA in 21.2 innings with 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in their historic 2021 season. Despite that, the team chose to trade him to the Atlanta for cash and a player to be named later.

Jackson was expected to compete for a roster position in Atlanta but an injury kept him from the first few months of the season. When back, he posted a 1.83 ERA with 21 strikeouts and just three walks in 19.2 innings (19 appearances) in Triple-A. Briefly promoted to the majors, he only saw 1.1 innings of playing time. The team then DFA'd him to make room for Ozzie Albies' return.

Through his career's twists and turns, Jay Jackson has kept his signature smile, the one that made him so dear to SF Giants fans, in place. His debut with the Toronto Blue Jays earned another one.