The Rays are expected to recall Alexander from Triple-A Durham prior to Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays and have him serve as a bulk reliever, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Shawn Armstrong is slated to open the game for Tampa Bay, but he's likely to be limited to one or two innings before handing the ball over to Alexander. The 30-year-old southpaw is back with the big club for the first time since late May, as he was demoted to Durham after turning in a 6.19 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 48:13 K:BB in 56.2 innings with the Rays. With Jeffrey Springs (elbow) closing in on a return from the 60-day injured list, Alexander likely won't be in line for an extended stay in the Tampa Bay rotation.

The Rays optioned Alexander to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was just two weeks ago that Alexander flirted with a perfect game in Toronto, but that outing sticks out like a sore thumb on his game log. The lefty allowed four runs over 4.2 frames versus the Athletics on Thursday to push his ERA on the season up to 6.19. With Zach Eflin (back) poised to rejoin the Rays' rotation soon, Alexander has lost his spot.

Alexander didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Athletics, allowing four runs on seven hits over 4.2 innings. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

While his seven punchouts matched a season high, Alexander struggled initially after opener Shawn Armstrong delivered two scoreless innings. The southpaw allowed four runs in the third, including a pair on a Shea Langeliers homer. It's been a tough stretch for Alexander of late -- he's now given up 21 runs in his last four outings (24 innings). Overall, he's 2-3 with a 6.19 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 48:13 K:BB across 56.2 innings this year.

Alexander won't start Thursday's game against the Athletics but is expected to be deployed in bulk relief behind opener Shawn Armstrong.

EDGE Analysis

Though he was roughed up for eight earned runs over five innings while working behind Armstrong in his last turn through the rotation May 24 versus the Royals, Alexander won't be used as a traditional starter Thursday and will instead enter the game after Armstrong once again. Despite the poor showing his last time out, Alexander has generally been reliable this season at the back end of the Tampa Bay rotation. In his seven outings prior to the blowup against the Royals, Alexander delivered a 4.30 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 37.2 innings.

Alexander (2-3) took the loss Friday as the Rays fell 8-1 to the Royals, surrendering eight runs on 11 hits and a walk over five relief innings. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty entered the game after Shawn Armstrong delivered two perfect innings as the opener, but Kansas City quickly got to Alexander. The eight runs and 11 hits were both seasons worsts for the 29-year-old, and over his last three outings he's been tagged for 17 runs in 19.1 innings. Alexander will carry a 6.06 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB through 52 innings into his next appearance, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the A's.

Alexander is in line to serve as a bulk reliever in Friday's game versus the Royals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander carried a perfect game into the eighth inning of his last outing in Toronto as a traditional starter, but he's slated to follow opener Shawn Armstrong on Friday. The left-hander holds a 5.06 ERA in six traditional starts and a 5.40 ERA in bulk relief this season.

Alexander (2-2) picked up the win Friday, giving up three runs on three hits over 7.1 innings in a 4-3 victory over the Blue Jays. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

His final line doesn't look quite so impressive, but the left-hander was perfect through seven innings before a Danny Jansen bloop single with one out in the eighth started a Toronto rally that chased Alexander from the game. He's now worked at least seven innings in back-to-back starts, although Alexander got tagged for six runs by the Yankees in his last start prior to Friday. He'll carry a 5.17 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 37:12 K:BB through 47 innings into his next appearance, but despite the length he's provided of late, it's unclear whether Alexander will remain in the rotation when Ryan Pepiot (lower leg) returns.

Alexander (1-2) yielded six runs on seven hits and two walks over seven innings Sunday, striking out three and taking a loss against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander was taken deep three times Sunday, including a pair of two-run shots from Jose Trevino and Aaron Judge. Alexander had given up just two home runs over his previous five appearances before Sunday. Despite the poor final line, it was his longest outing of the year. He owns a 5.45 ERA with a 33:12 K:BB through 39.2 frames. Alexander's next start is lined up to be in Toronto.

Alexander did not factor into the decision Friday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over four innings. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander looked especially sharp Monday night against a weak White Sox team, striking out a season-high seven batters while generating 13 whiffs. The Rays left-hander has pitched to the tune of a 4.96 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 30:10 K:BB over 32.2 innings this season. However, his time in the starting rotation is likely over as Taj Bradley (pectoral) appears on track to return from the injured list this week.

Alexander (1-1) took the loss Tuesday against Milwaukee after allowing three earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three batters across four innings.

EDGE Analysis

Alexander was unable to keep the Brewers off the basepaths Tuesday, allowing three runs to score in the first two innings. He managed to keep Milwaukee from scoring over the next two frames but had to be pulled after needing 85 pitches to complete four innings, tying his shortest outing of the season. The 29-year-old southpaw owns a 5.02 ERA and 1.40 WHIP this season, though he'll have a good chance to bounce back during his next scheduled start Monday against the White Sox.