Alexander (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win Tuesday against the Royals. He allowed two hits and struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander is no longer being considered for a piggyback tandem with Michael Fulmer, but that didn't stop the lefty from securing the win as the second pitcher of the game Tuesday for the Tigers. Despite working in a more traditional bullpen role, Alexander should still be able to give Detroit multiple innings of relief when he pitches, which should allow him to vulture a few wins here and there the rest of the season.

Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday that he expects Alexander to fill a more traditional bullpen role this season, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

During summer camp, Gardenhire floated the possibility of using Alexander and Michael Fulmer as part of a piggyback tandem for the fourth spot in the rotation while the latter eases back from March 2019 Tommy John surgery, but that plan has seemingly been scrapped. Alexander worked 1.2 innings (22 pitches) in Saturday's 6-4 win over the Reds, and while he should be available Monday when Fulmer serves as the Tigers' opening pitcher against the Royals, the lefty likely won't be tasked with the bulk-relief role. Instead, Beau Burrows and Kyle Funkhouser may be better candidates to handle the majority of the innings behind Fulmer.

Alexander could start the season working in a tandem with Michael Fulmer, who would serve as the team's opener, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nothing is set in stone at this point, but manager Ron Gardenhire did mention the idea of using Fulmer as an opener in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. The lefty Alexander can work multiple innings and would make a natural choice to pair with the righty Fulmer. Alexander made 13 appearances (eight starts) for the Tigers in 2019 and turned in a 4.86 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 53.2 innings.

Alexander could fill the Tigers' fifth rotation spot with Daniel Norris on the COVID-19 injured list and likely to miss the start of the season, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Norris away from the team, the Tigers have an open rotation spot, at least temporarily. Michael Fulmer (elbow) seems poised to start games at some point, though the club could ease him into action in a relief role out of the gates with the righty returning from a lengthy absence due to Tommy John surgery. Shao-Ching Chiang is another option after making 26 starts for Triple-A Columbus last season. If Alexander is able to join the rotation, it will likely be a brief stay, especially with prospects Casey Mize and Matt Manning in the wings as well. Alexander figures to spend most of 2020 in more of a long-relief role, limiting his fantasy appeal.

Alexander will likely serve as a long reliever and possible spot starter for the Tigers when the MLB season is able to resume, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eight of Alexander's 13 appearances for the Tigers last season came as a starter, so he has the ability to work multiple innings in a swing role. With MLB teams likely looking at a compacted schedule whenever the regular season is able to start, players like Alexander figure to be more valuable than usual, as there could be more doubleheaders and fewer days off compared to past seasons, which would put a strain on bullpens.

Alexander is competing for one of the Tigers' final bullpen spots to begin the season, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander is battling fellow lefties Nick Ramirez and Hector Santiago for a role. The former turned in a 4.86 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 53.2 innings last year for the Tigers, working primarily as a starter. His ability to start when needed could help him earn the spot, though he could also begin the season with Triple-A Toledo as rotation depth.

Alexander pitched five innings of two-run ball and took a no-decision in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the White Sox. He allowed seven hits and two walks, while striking out four.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander was probably lucky to only give up two runs with all the traffic on the bases, but he limited the damage by allowing just one extra-base hit. The lefty finishes his season with a 4.86 ERA and 47 strikeouts across 53.2 innings at the big-league level. After splitting the year between Triple-A and the majors, Alexander will head into 2020 as rotation depth for the Tigers who once again could find himself shuttling back and forth between Toledo and Detroit.

Alexander will start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander was initially slated to toe the rubber for Friday's nightcap, but both games were ultimately postponed due to rain. As a result, his final outing of the year will come Saturday evening.

Alexander won't start the afternoon portion of Friday's doubleheader against the White Sox as the game is threatened by rain, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Tigers didn't want Alexander's final outing of the season to be cut short due to rain. If the game happens at all, it will be a bullpen game for Detroit, with Matt Hall pitching first. It's not clear when Alexander will pitch again, but it seems as though he's expected to do so at some point.

Alexander allowed three runs on 10 hits with zero walks and four strikeouts across 4.1 innings while taking a loss against the White Sox on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

This was the second time this season Alexander yielded 10 hits in an outing. While he's had excellent control, opponents are combating that by hitting .298 against him. As a result, Alexander has a 4.99 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 43 strikeouts in 48.2 innings this season. Alexander will face the White Sox again on the road in his last start of the year Friday.