March 30--SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Edwin Jackson remains an enigma because of performances like Sunday when he pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings after allowing eight runs on nine hits in his previous appearance.
Jackson is trying to secure at least part of the fifth spot in the Chicago Cubs' rotation with left-hander Travis Wood as the Cubs must finalize their 25-man roster by the morning of April 5.
Jackson is owed $22 million over the final two years of his contract, so it would be tough for the Cubs to trade him unless they can maximize his value by using him in a starting role.
Jackson has lost 33 games in the past two seasons for the Cubs. But he also pitched a no-hitter against Maddon's Tampa Bay Rays while pitching for the Diamondbacks in 2010.
"Joe knows what I'm capable of," Jackson said after allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three. "I know what I'm capable of. But at the end of the day, you have to go out and prove it. that's what it boils down to."
Jackson praised the defensive support provided by third baseman Tommy La Stella, shortstop Addison Russell and second baseman Javier Baez.
But Jackson pitched at a smooth rhythm with Miguel Montero catching. The two worked together in Arizona but worked together for only the second time this spring.
"Miggie did a great job behind the plate controlling the game and mixing pitches," Jackson said.
