VIERA, Fla. -- Edwin Jackson's first Grapefruit League outing was a rough one on Monday. The veteran right-hander, who is being built up as a starter, threw two innings of relief, giving up five runs on eight hits in Miami's 7-4 loss to the Nationals at Space Coast Stadium.
"Obviously, not as good, result wise," manager Don Mattingly said. "I know they've been working on some things, so that's a little bit of a process. This is his first time out. We'll see where this goes."
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Jackson, who pitched last year for the Cubs and Braves, is in the mix for a back-of-the-rotation spot.
Pitching coach Juan Nieves and Jim Benedict, the vice president of pitching development, are refining Jackson's mechanics. He threw in an intrasquad game five days ago, and Monday was his first action against another team.
Clint Robinson belted a two-run homer off the right-hander, who had one strikeout.
"I know they're talking about making a little bit more change," Mattingly said. "But the main thing is they've got to do it a little more in sequence, so we'll see where it goes."
Worth noting
• The Marlins are awaiting word on right-hander Carter Capps' visit on Monday with orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla. Capps experienced discomfort in his right elbow earlier in Spring Training and was meeting with Andrews to decide what course of action is recommended. Surgery could be an option.
• Outfielder Justin Maxwell received a scare in the second inning when he was struck on the left hand by a Joe Ross fastball. Maxwell broke the same hand in 2013. An X-ray came back negative.