Luke Jackson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Luke Jackson was called upon to protect a one-run lead against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. It wasn't easy, as Jackson allowed a double and a walk, but he was able to work out of the jam. He struck out Alex Bregman to end the game and earned his second save of the season. It was unclear who would be the closer heading into the season, but it appears Jackson is the favorite right now. He has worked in three of the first four games of the season. That being said, it wouldn't be shocking to see Jackson unavailable on Monday. If that happens, Chris Martin or Marc Church could be asked to take the mound in his absence if a save situation arises.

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Luke Jackson closed out the team's 6-3 victory over the Royals on Tuesday night, earning a save with a perfect ninth inning. Chris Martin pitched the eighth inning in what could be a preview of how the Rangers will line up their bullpen to start the season. Both pitchers were very effective, retiring the side in order with two strikeouts each. Jackson allowed just two hits and one walk in six scoreless innings this spring, picking up nine strikeouts and making a strong case to be the team's closer to start the season.

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Luke Jackson could be in the mix for saves in 2025. Manager Bruce Bochy said things will be "pretty close" to how he used the bullpen in Monday's 6-3 win over the Royals, where Robert Garcia pitched the 7th, Chris Martin pitched the 8th, and Jackson picked up the save in the 9th. This news comes as a surprise, with the job being primarily considered as a two-way competition between Garcia and Martin up until this point. Bochy did clarify that the roles aren't defined, so it's still likely that all three see save chances at some point. Jackson split 2024 between the Giants and Braves, where he posted a 5.09 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 59 strikeouts and 26 walks in 53 innings. It's unlikely he will become a dominant reliever in 2025, but this bullpen situation is definitely one to monitor.