Jackson's hard work, luck have kept him healthy

ST. LOUIS -- In 11-plus seasons, Edwin Jackson has been on the disabled list once in his Major League career, back in 2004, and that was because of a forearm strain. The Cubs right-hander has noticed the recent rash of pitchers sidelined with elbow problems and needing Tommy John surgery, most recently the Marlins' Jose Fernandez.

How does Jackson stay healthy?

"There isn't a 100 percent way you can prevent somebody from injury," Jackson said. "You can be the healthiest person in the world, and sometimes things happen. I don't know if there is a 100 percent for sure answer. Who knows? I don't think I've done anything super special. I work hard, but half of it is being lucky and blessed as well."

Jackson said he didn't pitch a lot in high school, and he now makes sure he gets his arm loose and throws every day. The durable right-hander has reached at least 175 innings in six seasons.

"Dudes are throwing hard nowadays," he said. "There's always a chance for injury. The only thing you can do is work hard and try to be as preventative as possible. There's no for sure answer to stop someone from getting hurt."