Tyler

Alexander

The 30-year-old southpaw had been projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn a raise to $2.8 million via arbitration and apparently that was too rich for their blood. Alexander registered a 5.10 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and a 90/24 K/BB ratio over 107 2/3 innings with the Rays in 2024. Most teams in the league could use a capable left-handed innings-eater, so don’t be surprised to see Alexander back in another big-league bullpen for the start of the 2025 season.

Alexander ended the year on a hot run, as he didn’t allow a run in his 9 1/3 innings against the Dodgers and Tigers. The former Detroit hurler scattered four hits, and he didn’t walk anyone. Even with the scoreless frames Alexander still has a 5.10 ERA, and he’s a potential non-tender candidate heading into 2025. If he is back with the Rays, he’ll begin the year as a multi-inning bullpen arm.

Alexander crossed the 60-pitch threshold for the first time in four starts in this one, but still couldn’t hang on long enough to qualify for a win. He was very efficient though, allowing just three base runners and three hard-hit balls as the Blue Jays couldn’t quite square up his cutter, sweeper, or sinker. He’s scheduled to face the Tigers in Detroit next time out.

Alexander was strong in his first two innings of relief of Drew Rasmussen — who fired two scoreless as the opener — but then gave up an RBI double to Brayan Rocchio in the fifth and three more runs in the sixth. Alexander walked two in the contest with just one strikeout. He will remain off the fantasy radar even with a chance to get a win next time out; likely against the Blue Jays over the weekend.

Rasmussen last opened on Aug. 28. It seems like he’d be more helpful late in close games, but the Rays do want to structure his workload in his return from elbow surgery.

Alexander gave up one hit, walked none and struck out one. He allowed a solo home run to Kyle Schwarber in the sixth inning, but that was it. Alexander is hard to recommend or even use in fantasy leagues. It’s difficult to predict when he’ll even pitch and if he’ll be used as a starter or a bulk reliever. He’s had some good games, but ultimately his stats aren’t good enough. Alexander is 6-4 with a 5.50 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 93 1/3 innings this year. The 30-year-old left-hander is set to face the Guardians on the road this weekend if the Rays decide to use him again.

Alexander was just optioned three days ago, but he’s back now with Jeffrey Springs going on the IL, and he could start Monday against the Phillies in Springs’ place. Alexander has a 5.66 ERA in seven starts and 12 relief appearances for the Rays this season.

Alexander threw 50 pitches in a win over the Twins on Wednesday, so the team will send him to the minors to get a fresh arm in the bullpen, which will be former top pitching prospect Mason Montgomery.

Alexander got the start rather than working behind a bulk reliever, and he blanked the Dodgers over the first four inning. The fifth inning was less kind, however, as he gave up a three-run blast to Enrique Hernandez that tied the game at 3-3 and kept him from picking up the win. He walked two and struck out one in the outing. There’s a good chance he will pitch Wednesday against Seattle, but it’s not scheduled yet.

Alexander gave up five hits, walked two and struck out five. The win was his sixth of the season. Drew Rasmussen started the game with two perfect innings and Alexander came in and kept Arizona off the scoreboard until the seventh inning. He has a 2.25 ERA over 20 innings with 20 strikeouts and three wins in his last five appearances. Alexander has a 5.17 ERA on the season, but has been pretty valuable in his role lately albeit without throwing as many innings as a typical starter. The 30-year-old left-hander is set to face the Dodgers on the road next week.