Mets' Austin Jackson: On bench for series opener

Jackson is not in the lineup Thursday against the Nationals.

Jackson has started seven of the last eight games in center field, going just 3-for-27 with a 12:0 K:BB over that stretch, albeit two of his hits went for extra bases. The Mets will go with Dominic Smith, Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto from left to right in their outfield Thursday.