The Braves’ most consistent reliever probably isn’t who anybody expected entering the season.
It’s mid-June, and Luke Jackson might be the Braves’ best reliever. His case: A 1.07 ERA — lowered with a scoreless seventh Tuesday — with 24 strikeouts against 11 walks in 28 appearances (25 innings). Jackson has had an up-and-down career, and his reputation among Braves fans is mixed, but the reality is he’s been superb in 2021.
Jackson last allowed a run May 12, a run of 13 consecutive scoreless outings. He’s surrendered only three earned runs on the season without allowing multiple runs in any appearance. It isn’t always pretty, but style points don’t exist in the bigs. Jackson has been effective.
“He’s done a good job coming into games and minimizing damage,” reliever Chris Martin said of Jackson. “He’s been very versatile. He’s throwing a lot. Just continuing to go out there and staying focused.”
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