BUFFALO, N.Y. — Playing for his third organization in four years, Zach Jackson has learned quite a bit from each team along the way.

Now, as a member of the Cleveland Indians' organization, he's hoping this stop will allow him to develop into a full-time major league pitcher.

"It's been a blessing going to a different organization," said Jackson, a Seneca Valley graduate. "It's a breath of fresh air. Not too many get an opportunity to start over during the season, especially after a rocky run, and I've never been on that kind of run.

Jackson, who was sent to the Indians by the Milwaukee Brewers in a July 7 trade that brought last year's American League Cy Young Award winner, C.C. Sabathia, to the Brewers, had a rough first half in Nashville, Milwaukee's Class AAA affiliate. Jackson posted a 1-5 record with a 7.85 ERA. He allowed 81 hits in 57Z\c innings with 34 strikeouts and 18 walks.

But since the trade, he's been stellar for the Buffalo Bisons, Cleveland's Class AAA team.

In five appearances, Jackson is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA. He's allowed two runs and seven hits over 10X\c innings with 10 strikeouts and three walks.

On Monday, Jackson had his first start since joining Buffalo after starting only six games in 22 appearances at Nashville. He allowed one run on two hits and had four strikeouts and two walks in four innings against Norfolk.

The Brewers had been grooming Jackson, 25, as a relief pitcher after he struggled as a starter this season. He did make two trips out of the bullpen for Milwaukee during a call-up in May, including one in Pittsburgh.

"I'm not sure what (the Indians) were going to do," said Jackson. "It was 'Hey, settle in, we'll keep you on a strict schedule and throw you in consistently, then stretch you out.'

"I started (Monday) and I trust that I can get back into the rotation. The thing is to get back out there and re-establish myself as the pitcher I can be,"Jackson added.

Bisons manager Torey Lovullo, along with pitching coach Scott Radinsky, have been very supportive of Jackson and know he can be a valuable part of the organization.

"I have a great manager," said Jackson. "He said, 'We wanted you.' After the first half I had, it was hard to imagine someone wanted me. I've had success in the International League, so they know my potential."

Last season, the Brewers were trying to alter Jackson's approach to the game — sacrificing short-term success for better things down the road. But it never seemed to fit Jackson's aggressive style.

"I don't regret anything," said Jackson. "I learned a ton. They were trying to teach me to better myself, but it was a long trial-and-error process. In the midst of all that, I lost my sense of myself and what I can bring to the team.

"I'm going back to what feels right. When you feel good, confidence comes and the results will, too,"he added.

The Indians, last in the American League Central Division with a 44-56 record, 13 games behind the Chicago White Sox, have had their share of pitching problems.

With Sabathia traded and Fausto Carmona ready to return after two months on the disabled list, Cliff Lee has been the lone bright spot on the starting staff while the bullpen has been a disappointment.

That could open the door for Jackson to get a shot in Cleveland, particularly when the rosters are expanded in September — if not sooner.

"This is a chance to showcase what I can do," said Jackson. "I'm not trying to be a career minor-league pitcher. I think I can be a good major- league pitcher.

With the first half of the season behind him, plus a new start with a new team, Jackson is looking ahead to what may be the opportunity he's been looking for.

"The numbers in the first half don't mean anything," said Jackson. "I'm in a new league and I get to start over.

"I'm very thankful and excited to get back and show people my potential and what I can do."