Jackson goes 1-for-3 in first Triple-A rehab game

KANSAS CITY -- Austin Jackson went 1-for-3 Tuesday in his first game in center field on his rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo. His next step will be a scheduled day off with the Mud Hens before they pick up their road trip Thursday at Syracuse.

The Tigers are keeping the plan flexible after that.

"We'll see," manager Jim Leyland said. "Hopefully he feels good and he's ready to go."

Jackson played five innings Tuesday, a move that was designed to ease him in after a pulled left hamstring sidelined him for four weeks.

Jackson will either play seven innings in center field or a full game at designated hitter on Thursday, depending on how he feels. While the time in center could help, getting the extra at-bat to get his timing back at the plate could be just as important.