Scott Kazmir is back, Jay Jackson optioned

As every report and rumor suggested they would, the San Francisco Giants selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir on Wednesday, ahead of their game against the San Diego Padres. Kazmir will jump straight into action and take the mound for the second game of the series.

To make space for Kazmir on the active roster, right-handed pitcher Jay Jackson was optioned yet again. The Giants did not need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Kazmir, due to right-handed pitcher Reyes Moronta being outrighted earlier in the week, opening up a spot.

Kazmir is a feel good story. The 37 year old three-time All-Star hadn’t pitched since 2016, but was convinced by a friend at an offseason barbecue to give his dreams one more shot. The Giants gave him an invite to Spring Training, and stashed him in AAA. He had his contract selected in May and made three appearances, before being designated for assignment. Between now and then he played in the Olympics, helping Team USA win a silver medal, before returning to Sacramento.

And now he’ll make his third start and fourth appearance with the Giants. In his three prior games he has a line of 7 innings, 8 hits, 1 walk, 5 earned runs, and 7 strikeouts. In AAA He has a 4.61 ERA and 4.77 FIP, with 48 strikeouts to 18 walks in 52.2 innings.

Jackson has appeared in 23 games, and has been a constant passenger on the Sacramento shuttle this year. He’s sporting a 3.74 ERA and 4.03 FIP, with 28 strikeouts to 12 walks in 21.2 innings.