MESA, Ariz. -- Brett Jackson's hot start this spring still hasn't convinced the Chicago Cubs to alter their plan of sending him to Triple-A to start the season.

"I don't see that opportunity the way the roster is configured," manager Dale Sveum said Wednesday. "You don't want the guy to sit on the bench. He needs to go play still. Unfortunately there isn't an opening right now for that to happen."

Jackson, who was not in the starting lineup Wednesday, entered play batting .385 (5-for-13) with a home run and four RBIs. He also had a pair of home runs in an intrasquad game.

"You still have to remember that developing is just as important as anything else, too," Sveum said. "There are just no job openings, unfortunately for him. It's just one of those things, timing and a numbers thing.

"But he will spend a lot of time here [eventually], and part of that development plan is that he hasn't spent a whole year in Triple-A. We have to see what's going on and what's happening after the halfway mark and make your decisions in Triple-A."

To Jackson’s credit, he isn't discouraged. He knew all about the Cubs' plan for him but still wanted to make an impression on a new coaching staff and make them second-guess their plans. He has managed to do that to a point.

"No mission is accomplished, but I'm pleased with the way I have been going about my business and playing," Jackson said before his start Monday. "I'm pleased with how my swing is coming along and how I feel at the plate and that's all I can ask for. I'll keep working toward that every day and mission accomplished is something off in the distance for everybody."