Jackson began feeling ill over the weekend in Kansas City and was sent back to the team hotel on Friday and Saturday to recover from a sore throat and general weakness. He reported feeling much better on Sunday and threw a light bullpen, and said again on Monday that he was back on the road to health.
"I'm not worried about it," Jackson said. "Every start is different. Some days your stuff isn't that great but you feel good, and other days you don't feel good but you just focus more. It makes you concentrate that much more."
The 23-year-old will be making his fifth appearance and fourth start since a promotion from Triple-A Nashville on June 3. His last start was June 18 versus Cleveland, when Jackson surrendered eight hits in three innings but limited the damage to two runs, and the Brewers went on to win, 6-3.
He will be matched up against Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano, who has won each of his last three decisions and six of his last seven. The Brewers beat Zambrano and the Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 30, when Chris Capuano twirled a five-hit shutout.
The Cubs have lost eight straight home games.
Pitching matchup
MIL: LHP Zach Jackson (1-0, 4.67 ERA)
Making his first career appearance against the Cubs.
CHC: RHP Carlos Zambrano (6-3, 2.83 ERA)
Is 1-3 with a 3.38 ERA at home this season versus 5-0 with a 2.32 ERA away from Wrigley Field.
Player to watch
Carlos Lee is a career .385 hitter against Zambrano (10-for-26) with three home runs and 10 RBIs. The only other Brewer with a home run off Zambrano is Geoff Jenkins, who has one.
Go Crew....