Jackson’s Spot Isn’t Secure

Manager Jim Tracy has made strong comments about rookie pitcher Edwin Jackson’s being in the starting rotation, but others in the Dodger organization have expressed concern about rushing the 20-year-old right-hander.

Although many club officials agree with Tracy, saying Jackson’s 8.59 earned-run average should not be overemphasized in evaluating him, they cited factors to weigh.

Jackson has not pitched at triple A, going from double-A Jacksonville to the Dodgers last September. Some believe Jackson would benefit from at least starting the season at triple-A Las Vegas.

Moreover, including the 22 innings he pitched in the major leagues last season, Jackson has 170 1/3 innings above Class A. Few pitchers reach the majors on a permanent basis without having more innings at the higher levels of the minors.

Several officials said they doubted Jackson would be on the opening-day roster because of those factors and the performance of nonroster pitcher Jose Lima, who has impressed with a 2.25 earned-run average in 16 innings.

“For me, it’s still an open question, but there are things to look at,” General Manager Paul DePodesta said. “If you look through the records of guys who were under 25 and reached the big leagues in a hurry, most of them have pitched more than he has above [Class A] and more than he has in their minor league careers.

“He’s so talented and he’s so good, you’re tempted to have him be here. At the same time, from my standpoint, I’m still wrestling with what’s best for him. Could he pitch here right now and be successful? No doubt in my mind. Would it be beneficial for him to pitch some innings at triple A? It might be.”

*

Responding to reporters’ questions about the National League West, San Diego General Manager Kevin Towers said the Dodgers should have accomplished more in recent seasons.

“You always think they’ll be good, and they end up finding a way to not finish in first place,” Towers said in Tempe, Ariz. “They could be the most dangerous club in the division because of their spending ability. You’re always waiting for them to make the big move.

“If they added a couple of bats to the lineup, they’d be tough to beat. I’ve never been able to put my thumb on it. They just don’t seem to play well as a team. They’ve always had a lot of talent, but for some reason, when you play them, they don’t seem to play well together. It seemed like it was more character than anything.”

*

The Baltimore Orioles routed the Dodgers, 11-4, at Holman Stadium. Hideo Nomo (0-4) gave up five hits -- including two home runs -- and three runs in five innings. The right-hander lowered his earned-run average from 9.17 to 8.34.... Nonroster utilityman Jason Romano continued his strong performance with two hits in the leadoff spot, improving his batting average to .400. Romano, who is expected to make the opening-day roster, is tied for the team lead with four home runs and 11 runs batted in.... Adrian Beltre went hitless in three at-bats in his return to the lineup after sitting out four games because of biceps tendinitis.... The Dodgers dropped to 10-15.

*

Times staff writer Mike DiGiovanna contributed to this report.