Milwaukee Brewers promote reclamation project Jay Jackson

The Milwaukee Brewers have added an intriguing arm to their bullpen, although not the one that the fan base would have hoped for.

For the most part, the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen is in strong shape. With the force of nature known as Josh Hader holding down the fireman/closer role, and Jeremy Jeffress having returned from the Injured List, the back of the Brewers bullpen has one of the best 1-2 punches in the game.

However, the Brewers middle relief has been questionable. Alex Wilson has allowed 12 runs in 11.1 innings, while Jacob Barnes has been only a slight bit better. Moves needed to be made. On Monday, the Brewers added an intriguing arm in Jay Jackson, with Wilson being designated for assignment.

Once upon a time, Jackson was considered a top prospect, ranked as the 98th prospect in the game by Baseball America prior to 2010. He never lived up to that billing, bouncing around the Cubs, Marlins, Pirates, Brewers, and Padres systems. Jackson would eventually make his major league debut in 2015 for San Diego, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk in 4.1 innings while striking out four batters.

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After that season, Jackson headed to Japan, where he resurrected his career. In his three seasons in Japan, Jackson posted a 2.10 ERA and a 1.131 WHiP, striking out 192 batters with 68 walks over his 176 innings.

That solid showing in Japan has followed Jackson stateside. Signed to a minor league deal, Jackson has torn through the Pacific Coast League. In his 8.2 innings, Jackson has yet to allow a run, with just four hits and two walks given up. He has struck out 14 batters, showing the type of power stuff that would make him at home in the Milwaukee bullpen.

Jackson also has the perfect opportunity to seize a spot in the majors. Aside from Hader, Jeffress, and Junior Guerra, the Milwaukee bullpen has not been the buzzsaw it was expected to be. If he can replicate that success from Japan, Jackson could be the latest unheralded pitcher to step up in the Brewers bullpen and find a role.

The Milwaukee Brewers have brought Jay Jackson to the majors. Given his success in Japan and in the Pacific Coast League this season, Jackson may become a fixture in the Brewers bullpen.