Baker on Jackson, Solís and Scherzer

NEW YORK - The Nationals signed veteran right-hander Edwin Jackson to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Syracuse.

Jackson adds experienced depth to the pitching in the system. He pitched for the Nationals in 2012, going 10-11 with a 4.76 ERA in 31 starts. He had 168 strikeouts, 58 walks and recorded one complete game. Since then, he has pitched for the Cubs, Braves, Marlins, Padres and Orioles.

The Orioles designated him for assignment five days ago. The Nats signed him today. He went 0-0 with a 7.20 ERA in three games for the Orioles.

In 15 overall seasons, Jackson is 93-114 with a 4.65 ERA.

"This guy, he's always had good stuff," said manager Dusty Baker. "The fact that he can get a job is the fact that he has good stuff. He might be a guy that gets it together and keeps it together. I heard he works hard, a good guy on your team, they tell me here."

Baker had a nice phone conversation with Jackson that had a profound impression on the skipper.

"He told me he always wanted to play for me," Baker said. "He's a guy that hopefully he can go to Triple-A and he can be a starter or a reliever at some point in time and come back and help us."

Left-hander Sammy Solís made it through his first rehab assignment last night with Triple-A Syracuse. Solis has been on the disabled list since April 19 with left elbow inflammation. He has missed 51 games.

Solís started for the Chiefs and went one inning, allowing one run on one hit with one walk and no strikeouts. He threw 16 pitches, 10 for strikes.

Baker said during today's pregame that how Solís reacts today is the biggest factor as he gets the rehab assignment underway.

"Yeah, he came out OK," Baker said. "Just the fact that he was on the mound. The outcome doesn't worry me as much as the fact that how he comes out of today after being on the mound."

There were several questions during pregame about starter Max Scherzer and why the 2016 National League Cy Young award winner has been so good again.

"I would think certain words like "perseverance," "determination," what great shape he is and how hard he works. Seems to get stronger as the game goes on. Plus, he wants to be great. That has to be your first thought in your mind, and wanting to win. He has that desire to win."

The one pitcher Baker played with whom Scherzer reminds him of?

"Don Sutton," Baker said.