SF Giants activate former Braves closer Luke Jackson from IL, option Villar

The SF Giants added some reinforcements to their bullpen, activating offseason acquisition Luke Jackson off the injured list.

The SF Giants have activated right-handed relief pitcher Luke Jackson off the injured list on Tuesday, optioning infielder David Villar in a corresponding move, according to manager Gabe Kapler in his pregame media availability. Evan Webeck of the Bay Area News Group was the first to report Jackson would be activated. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle had noted that Villar was packing up his locker earlier in the afternoon. The Giants will need to make an additional move to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, but Kapler did not reveal that move. Matt Beaty and Isan Díaz seem like prime candidates to be designated for assignment. Although Díaz could be moved to the 60-day injured list.

Atlanta Braves reliever Luke Jackson throws against the Houston Astros during the eighth inning of game four of the 2021 World Series / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

"I think Luke can handle just about any role," Kapler said. "He's been around major league baseball for a long time and doing it at a high level. I don't think it's quite as necessary to find him the perfect spot. He's equipped to handle just about anything. If it turns out to be a soft landing, great, if not, I'm sure he'll be fine."

Jackson signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal with the Giants this offseason. San Francisco was willing to bet on his ability to bounce back from UCL surgery. Jackson has not appeared in a big-league game since 2021 after undergoing UCL surgery last April. He has been rehabbing in the minors at Single-A and Triple-A. He made six minor-league appearances, striking out eight while surrendering four runs on four walks and four hits across 5.1 innings pitched. Granted, he allowed four runs, four hits, and a walk in one appearance. In two appearances over the weekend, he struck out three of the six batters he faced and did not allow an opponent to reach base.

Jackson spent the past six years in Atlanta's organization, emerging as a high-leverage option in the back of the pen. In 2021, Jackson had the best season of his career, posting a 1.98 ERA in 71 appearances with 70 strikeouts and 29 walks in 63.2 innings pitched. However, he was forced to miss all of the 2022 season after undergoing surgery in April.

Jackson has been a consistent middle relief option, although he has been used as a closer and setup arm at times. Over his career, Jackson has posted a 4.24 ERA in 253 games with 284 strikeouts and 118 walks in 272 innings pitched. 

Villar appeared in two games with the SF Giants since he was recalled, failing to record a hit or walk in eight plate appearances. He is now hitting .135/.222/.292 with four home runs in 108 MLB plate appearances this season. He has a much better .250/.400/.500 triple-slash in eight games at Triple-A.