Luke Jackson activated from disabled list and optioned

The Texas Rangers have activated righthanded pitcher Luke Jackson from the 15 day disabled list, and have optioned him to AAA Round Rock, John Blake announced today.

Jackson, 24, had been slowing in training camp by a stiff back.  He was theoretically in the mix for a bullpen job this spring, but given that the pen slots were largely already spoken for, Jackson was a longshot to make the team absent an injury to an established reliever anyway, even before his back issues slowed him down.

Jackson has been in Round Rock on a rehab stint, appearing in two games, pitching two innings, striking out four, walking one and allowing a home run.  Jackson will continue to work in the Express bullpen, and will likely be on the short list of promotion candidates should the Rangers need a righthanded reliever later this season.