Alexander was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander was likely unavailable for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Giants after pitching in Game 1 and during Friday's game, so the Dodgers opted to send him back to the minors in exchange for an additional outfielder with Yasiel Puig (foot) sidelined. The southpaw is off to a slow start to the season, as evidenced by his unsightly 6.35 ERA across 11.1 innings this season, but he should be back with the big club sooner than later.

Alexander gave up two runs on two hits and a walk in Wednesday's 16-6 loss to Oakland.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't a great night for many Dodger pitchers, but this was the second time Alexander has given up multiple runs through five appearances. The 28-year-old has struggled with his control (six walks through 4.1 innings), but he has maintained his extreme groundball tendencies (10.0 GB/FB ratio). Alexander figures to turn things around after posting a 2.48 ERA and 3.27 FIP over 69.0 innings with the Royals last season, but he is currently behind Tony Cingrani on the Dodgers' depth chart in terms of left-handed relievers slated for late-inning appearances.

Alexander was traded to the Dodgers on Thursday as part of a three-team deal, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Dodgers also received minor-league infielder Jake Peter in the deal, while shipping Luis Avilan to the White Sox and minor leaguers Erick Mejia and Trevor Oaks to the Royals. Alexander -- who is one of the premier groundball relievers in baseball -- will likely fill the left-handed relief role that Tony Watson excelled in last season. The former Royal posted a 2.48 ERA and and 59:28 K:BB in 69 innings of relief last season.

Alexander (4-4) landed in the loss column after allowing two runs on two hits and a walk while recording just two outs Wednesday against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals were planning to rest Alexander due to a heavy workload recently, but he was thrust into action after Eric Skoglund -- who lasted just three innings as the starter -- forced manager Ned Yost to burn through his bullpen. Alexander hadn't allowed a run in 17 straight appearances leading up to Wednesday, and he still owns a shiny 2.26 ERA through 63.2 innings this season, so the 28-year-old should continue to hold down the ninth inning for Kansas City down the stretch.

Alexander worked around a pair of hits with a strikeout in an inning of work to record his fourth save of the season Tuesday against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander allowed the first two men to reach in this one, putting the tying run at third with nobody out. He bounced back to strike out Yoan Moncada before getting a double-play ball from Matt Davidson to end the game. Alexander is now the owner of a shiny 2.00 ERA and appears to be the preferred option for saves at the moment.

Alexander will see more chances out of the ninth inning in the near future, following manager Ned Yost's removal of Kelvin Herrera from the closer's role prior to Friday's contest, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander has picked up three saves throughout the course of the 2017 season, all coming within the past three weeks as Kelvin Herrara has continued to struggle and nurse a forearm injury. Yost stated that Brandon Maurer, Mike Minor and Alexander will split the duties moving forward, and although it remains to be seen how that will eventually shake out, it appears as though Maurer will get the first crack at the job, as he's recorded 21 saves during his time between San Diego and Kansas City this season. During 48 relief appearances for Alexander, he's posted a 2.12 ERA and 1.23 WHIP this year.

Alexander picked up a one-out save Monday against the Tigers, his third of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander cleaned things up for Brandon Maurer, who handed him the ball with the tying run at second base in a one-run game. The 32-year-old reliever needed just four pitches to end the contest, inducing a game-ending groundout from the only batter he faced (Mikie Mahtook). This marked Alexander's second save in the past four games, and it appears he could be in line for more opportunities with Kelvin Herrera (forearm) and Joakim Soria (oblique) both on the shelf with injuries. He has posted a 2.18 ERA and 49:22 K:BB in 57.2 innings out of the bullpen this season.

Alexander (4-3) picked up the win after striking out two of the three batters he faced Sunday in Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

As the club makes its final push toward the playoffs, Alexander has surprisingly become a key player out of the Royals' bullpen. Over his last 12 games (eight innings), the southpaw hasn't allowed a run while tallying four holds, two saves and a win. Manager Ned Yost will keep going to the well as long as it works, so Alexander is a solid play for those in deep leagues that value such relievers.

Alexander picked up a one-out save Friday night against the Twins, his second.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander was picking up the mess left by Kelvin Herrera (and an error from second baseman Whit Merrifield). He walked Jorge Polanco but struck out Eddie Rosario to end the game. Alexander owns a 2.24 ERA and is likely the next choice for manager Ned Yost whenever Herrera is ineffective or unavailable.

Alexander got the final out of Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Rockies to pick up his first career big-league save.

EDGE Analysis

Kelvin Herrera left the game with two outs and the bases loaded due to forearm tightness, and with Brandon Maurer struggling recently and Mike Minor having pitched earlier in the night, it was Alexander who got the call to finish things. If Herrera's injury proves to be a serious one, however, don't expect Alexander to factor into the ninth-inning mix on a regular basis.