The Texas Rangers officially parted ways with right-handed pitcher Luke Jackson on Friday night, announcing his release in a late update following a roster shakeup.
Jackson had been designated for assignment earlier that day to make room on the roster for veteran starter Jon Gray, who was reinstated from the 60-day injured list. With no team claiming Jackson off waivers, he cleared the process and was subsequently released by Texas.
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Jackson’s 2025 season got off to a high-profile start, as he opened the year in the closer role for the Rangers. However, a string of inconsistent performances led to him losing that job fairly quickly. Over time, he was moved into a middle relief role, where he continued to struggle with command and effectiveness. In 35 innings pitched, Jackson posted a 4.11 ERA and a concerning 5.01 FIP, ultimately failing to find a consistent groove on the mound.
Despite his underwhelming numbers, Jackson wasn’t out of work for long. The Detroit Tigers, who have been desperate for help in their struggling bullpen, scooped him up shortly after his release. Ironically, the Tigers currently hold a better record than the Rangers, making Jackson’s new landing spot a bit of an unusual case where a released player ends up in a more competitive situation.
For Jackson, the move represents a fresh opportunity to reset and possibly rediscover the form that made him a key reliever during his earlier years in the big leagues.
