The Atlanta Braves traded for Jackson in December to open space on their 40-man roster occupied by both Jenkins. Jackson was originally drafted in the first round of the 2010 draft, the 45th overall selection by the Rangers.
Jackson started in 2011 with the Rangers’ low-A team in Hickory, a very aggressive move for a high school pitcher. He predictably struggled on the season, though he did have flashes of the big stuff he had. He made 19 starts, throwing 75 innings with a 5.64 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, and a 48/78 BB/K ratio.
In 2012, the Rangers started Jackson back at Hickory, but he struggled again.