The Tigers are still looking to add starting pitchers before the season starts, which could push Alexander out of a rotation spot, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander is tentatively set as the team's fifth starter, but the lefty has proven himself capable as a long reliever in the past as well. Eduardo Rodriguez, Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Matt Manning should all be locked in as starters, and the Tigers also added veteran Chase Anderson on a minor-league deal Monday as a potential rotation option. Alexander could have a little fantasy value if he's starting, though he seems likely to shift to the bullpen at some point this season.

Manager AJ Hinch said Sunday that Alexander currently lines up as Detroit's No. 5 starter, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander split time between a long-relief role and the rotation in 2021 with starts in 15 of 41 appearances, and he finished with a 3.81 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 87:28 K:BB across 106.1 innings. The left-hander could revert to that role for 2022 if the Tigers bring aboard any additional free agents over the next couple weeks, but at this point he's poised to open the campaign as a starter.

Alexander allowed one run across six innings but did not factor into the decision Sunday against the White Sox. He gave up four hits and two walks while striking out four.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander left the game with a 2-1 lead but lost his chance at his third win of the year when the White Sox tied the game in the seventh inning. The lefty pitched well to end the season, allowing just four runs across 17 innings in his last three starts. The good stretch of games brought his ERA down to 3.81, which is a new career best. Alexander figures to give the Tigers an option as a starter or long reliever in 2022, potentially swinging between the two roles as he's done so far in his career.

Alexander (2-4) allowed just one run across six innings but took the loss Tuesday against the Twins. He gave up four hits and a walk while striking out six.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander had one of his better outings of the season, but the Tigers didn't score any runs while the lefty was on the mound. Despite the tough loss, Alexander continued his good performance lately, as this was the third time in his last four starts that he allowed two runs or fewer. He'll have one more chance to impress in the regular season finale Sunday against the White Sox.

Alexander allowed two runs on eight hits and a pair of walks while striking out two batters across 5.2 innings during Tuesday's win over the White Sox. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't a dominant start by any means -- Alexander gave up a season-worst eight hits -- but he kept the Tigers in the game to position them for the win. The 27-year-old has found success this month, yielding seven earned runs over 20.1 frames. On the season, Alexander has compiled a 4.10 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.

Alexander (2-3) took the loss in Thursday's 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Rays, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 5.2 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Making a second straight start against Tampa Bay, Alexander gave up two runs in the first inning and navigated the next three innings unscathed before encountering more trouble the third time through the order. He's pitched well in September, permitting five earned runs in 14.2 innings, and lines up to face the White Sox on Tuesday.

Alexander will start in Thursday's game against the Rays in Tampa Bay, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After a brief cameo out of the bullpen Sept. 7, Alexander rejoined the rotation last weekend versus Tampa Bay, stepping in for the injured Matthew Boyd (elbow) on late notice. With Boyd having since landed on the injured list and at risk of missing the rest of the season, Alexander should have some security in a starting role. Since the start of August, Alexander has posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 33 innings.

Alexander allowed a run on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus Tampa Bay on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw yielded the first run of the game on a Joey Wendle RBI single in the fifth inning. Alexander was expected to be taken out of the rotation, but Matthew Boyd (elbow) was a late scratch Friday, which could allow Alexander to remain in the rotation going forward. He's pitched to a decent 4.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 71:21 K:BB across 83.2 innings this year. Even if he remains a starter, his workload management has typically seen him work less than five innings, making it unlikely for him to earn many wins unless he works behind an opener. Alexander is tentatively projected for a rematch with the Rays next week.

Alexander will start in place of Matthew Boyd for Friday's game against Tampa Bay after Boyd was scratched for an undisclosed reason, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Tigers had planned to skip Alexander in the rotation after using him out of the bullpen Tuesday, but he'll now get the start in the series opener with Boyd apparently dealing with some sort of issue. Alexander failed to work into the fifth inning in either of his two starts prior to his Tuesday relief appearance, so he could face an uphill battle in attempting to qualify for a win Friday.

Alexander won't make a star during the Tigers' weekend series with the Rays and isn't expected to rejoin the rotation until next week, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Detroit is listing Matthew Boyd, Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal as its starters for the series with Tampa Bay, with all three pitchers returning to the mound on five days' rest. The Tigers' decision to skip Alexander's turn in the rotation was foreshadowed by his appearance out of the bullpen in Tuesday's loss to the Pirates, when he tossed a scoreless inning. Alexander should be available in relief for the rest of the week before likely slotting back into the rotation when a fifth starter is next needed Sept. 18 in Tampa Bay.