Edwin Jackson talks about joining the Orioles

The newest reliever in the Orioles bullpen is a veteran of over 1,700 major league innings. The Orioles added right-hander Edwin Jackson to their roster today, selecting his contract from Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles are his 12th different major league team.

The Orioles signed him April 5, and after he built up some innings at extended spring, they sent him to Norfolk. Over 12 games in relief he pitched to a 3.10 ERA. In 20 1/3 innings he gave up 20 hits, walked 10 and struck out 17. His last three games featured 5 2/3 scoreless. To make roster room, Donnie Hart was optioned to Triple-A. Jackson will wear No. 28.

It was a challenge for him to get back to the majors, but today he's here.

"Definitely feels good," Jackson said in the Orioles clubhouse. "It's like the first time back in the big leagues all over again. Definitely been putting a lot of work in and excited to be back in a clubhouse and be back in a place I feel like I belong in and want to be.

"Like a wise man told me, though, it is not about making it. It's about staying. So, it's great to make it back, but there is still a lot of work to be done to go and keep yourself around. That is the main issue," he said.

Jackson found out after Norfolk played at Gwinnett last night that he was coming to Baltimore. This was after his original June 1 opt-out date was extended through 11:59 p.m. last night.

"It was after the game," he said. "Probably an hour or so after. At that point, I really didn't have a clue what was going on. I knew it was 48 hours until a decision had to be made. Wasn't really anything I was worried about. I am kind of a person that takes everything as it happens. Take everything a day at a time. I don't get too amped up or get stressed out about situations. I kind of let time tell everything that will happen."

In 2016, pitching mainly as a starter, Jackson went 5-7 with a 5.89 ERA between Miami and San Diego. But in 2015, pitching completely in a bullpen role between the Cubs and Braves, he went 4-3 with a 3.07 ERA and 1.168 WHIP. Manager Buck Showalter said he could fill several different bullpen roles for the Orioles.

"I've done them both," Jackson said. "At this point, there is not a whole lot that I haven't done. I'm just ready to go. I'm comfortable with both, I've done them both before. I have experience with the bullpen and starting. At this point, it's just a matter of when your name is called and what I'm asked to do."

When he pitched in Atlanta, his pitching coach was current Orioles pitching coach Roger McDowell. Jackson said McDowell emphasized to him to pitch to contact.

"Rog. Rog is a friend of mind for sure. We're very acquainted with one another. He had me at a young age. So I feel like he definitely knows me. On the mound, he knows my tendencies. That definitely has some play in it, when you look at the staff and look at the coaches. Look at people you are pretty familiar with and are familiar with you."

Jackson said he could have signed elsewhere when he agreed to join the Orioles.

"I had some other choices in spring training. But I felt this was the best situation for myself. I felt this would be the best team. Also, you have a team that has a great defense. They're going to put up runs and it's a fun team to be around. I've played against them a lot. It's a tough team to pitch against. Figure why not play with them and get a chance to watch them on the same side and have fun," he said.