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The Nationals have reached a minor-league deal with right-hander Edwin Jackson, according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post. Jackson will report to Triple-A Syracuse.
Washington is the second Beltway stop of the season for Jackson, who has spent the entire year with the Orioles’ organization. The 33-year-old posted a 3.10 ERA in 20.1 innings with Triple-A Norfolk before being promoted to the majors, but gave up four earned runs on seven hits in five innings in the bigs. He was designated for assignment before electing free agency.
Washington’s bullpen struggles have been well-documented this season, so adding a veteran relief arm at least gives the Nats another depth option. General manager Mike Rizzo is expected to aggressively pursue bullpen trades over the next few weeks in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31.
Jackson spent a season with the Nats in 2012, posting a 10-11 record and 4.03 ERA in 189.2 innings. He’s been with 12 teams over a 15-year major-league career, meaning he is one new team short of tying Octavio Dotel’s major-league record for most teams.