Edwin Jackson staked his claim to a spot in the Nationals rotation Thursday afternoon, throwing four shutout innings against the Houston Astros in Viera, Fla. The Nationals went on to defeat Houston 8-0.

Jackson only allowed two hits and struck out three batters in his outing, only facing one batter over the minimum when one of the runners he allowed was erased in a 6-4-3 double play in the top of the third inning. Jackson has now pitched six scoreless innings over two spring training outings.

Bryce Harper was scratched from the lineup after suffering tightness in his left calf. The 19-year-old missed Wednesday's 3-3 tie against the St. Louis Cardinals after receiving a scheduled day off. According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, Harper is officially considered day-to-day.

With Thursday's win, the Nationals have improved their spring training record to 3-2 (not including Wednesday's tie with St. Louis). They face the Miami Marlins Friday night in Jupiter.