Edwin Jackson passes physical and signs minor league deal

Veteran pitcher Edwin Jackson has passed his physical with the Orioles and signed a minor league contract. Jackson will report to extended spring training in Sarasota.

Jackson's deal includes a June 1 opt-out clause. In the meantime, the Orioles likely will transfer him to Triple-A Norfolk after he's deemed ready to pitch.

Jackson, 33, has played for 11 teams over his 14-year major league career, most recently making 13 starts with the Padres last summer after the Marlins released him. He made eight relief appearances with Miami, going 0-1 with a 5.91 ERA in 10 2/3 innings, and was 5-6 with a 5.89 ERA in 73 1/3 innings with San Diego.

"Edwin Jackson is a solid, dependable major league pitcher that adds depth to our organization," executive vice president Dan Duquette wrote in a text message. "We look forward to his contribution to the Orioles."

Norfolk's rotation currently includes Mike Wright, who started last night's opener, Gabriel Ynoa, Jayson Aquino, Chris Lee and Alec Asher. The bullpen includes Richard Bleir, Parker Bridwell, Stefan Crichton, Joe Gunkel, Richard Rodriguez, Zach Stewart, Logan Verrett and Jimmy Yacabonis.

The Orioles need a fifth starter on April 15. They'll activate left-hander Wade Miley from the disabled list to make Sunday's start against the Yankees at Camden Yards.

Jackson was in a group of free agent starters that also included veterans Doug Fister and Colby Lewis. He may be a lesser health risk and was willing to take a minor league deal.

Jackson has made 275 starts and 86 relief appearances, going a combined 93-114 with a 4.65 ERA and 1.455 WHIP in 1,724 1/3 innings. He's 6-1 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.086 WHIP in 11 career games (nine starts) versus the Orioles and is 3-1 with a 4.34 ERA and 1.276 WHIP in five starts at Camden Yards totaling 29 innings.

The Dodgers selected Jackson in the sixth round of the 2001 draft out of Shaw (Ga.) High School and brought him to the majors in September 2003. He threw 149 pitches and walked eight batters while throwing a no-hitter for the Diamondbacks against the Rays, one of his former teams, on June 25, 2010. Seven of the walks were issued in the first three innings.

The Cubs signed Jackson to four-year, $52 million contract on Jan. 2, 2013. He went 8-18 with a 4.98 ERA and 6-15 with a 6.33 ERA over the next two seasons and worked exclusively out of the bullpen in 2015 with the Cubs and Braves.