On Wednesday, the San Francisco Giants got a major boost in their bullpen when veteran right-hander Luke Jackson made his 2023 season debut.
San Francisco signed Jackson to a two-year deal after he had spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Atlanta Braves, winning a World Series ring in 2021.
The righty missed the 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
But at long last, Jackson found his way back to the mound.
The 31-year-old entered Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the top of the sixth inning and threw a perfect frame, capping it off with two consecutive strikeouts.
On Twitter, the Giants posted some highlights from his return as they welcomed their new right-hander back from his injury.
WELCOME. BACK. @YaBoy77 👏 pic.twitter.com/64VymjVVVx
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 31, 2023
Jackson had not pitched since 2021 with the Braves.
That year, he went 2-2, appearing in 71 games and posting a 1.98 ERA, proving to be a key piece in the Braves bullpen during their run to their first World Series title since 1995.
That was the last time Jackson would suit up for the Braves.
However, the Giants came calling after the 2022 season.
And in his Giants debut, Jackson pitched admirably against the Pirates.
Ultimately, it couldn’t save them from a 9-4 loss to the Bucs, but it was still impressive.
For his career, the 31-year-old owns a 16-6 record and a 4.22 ERA over 273 innings of work and has recorded 286 strikeouts.
He picked up right where he left off in his 2023 debut by throwing a perfect inning in his return from the injured list.
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