Edwin Jackson making progress in extended spring training

The Orioles currently are set at long relief with right-hander Alec Asher and left-hander Vidal Nuno in the bullpen. Jayson Aquino made his first major league start last night and is waiting to find out whether he stays or goes.

Edwin Jackson is positioning himself as a possibility for next-man-up status this summer. The 14-year veteran is throwing at extended spring training while getting in pitching shape and, according to manager Buck Showalter, had "a really good outing."

"Keep an eye on him," Showalter said.

I was told a few days ago that Jackson might be two or three weeks away from reporting to Triple-A Norfolk, but I'd never be married to a timeline. Imagine the paperwork and the stares from an unaccepting society.

Showalter has Jackson's schedule and said he'd pass it along this morning.

Jackson's contract includes a June 1 opt-out clause. The Orioles are on the clock.

Showalter seems intrigued by the idea of Jackson working in long relief. New pitching coach Roger McDowell worked with Jackson for a few months in 2015 with the Braves and offered a nice endorsement.

Jackson mostly was an eighth-inning guy with the Braves after they signed him as a free agent on Aug. 14, 2015. He worked 2 1/3 innings once, in his first game, and twice completed two innings among his 24 appearances.

An expensive bust with the Cubs, who signed him to a four-year, $52 million contract on Jan. 2, 2013, Jackson went 2-2 with a 2.92 ERA and 0.932 WHIP in 24 2/3 innings with the Braves.

Jackson's only 33. You'd expect him to be older, considering he's pitched for 11 teams.

The Red Sox are starting left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez today, which keeps Trey Mancini in the lineup in the outfield or as the designated hitter. His eight home runs in 17 career games tie him with Carlos Delgado and Trevor Story for the most in major league history.

Jonathan Schoop has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games, batting .389 (14-for-36) with four home runs, nine RBIs and seven runs scored.

The Orioles bullpen has turned in four consecutive scoreless appearances over 8 1/3 innings.

Aquino was the first Orioles pitcher to win his first career start since Mike Wright on May 17, 2015 against the Angels.