Rays' Tyler Alexander in stopper role with Tigers seeking sweep

Tyler Alexander could be a little pumped Wednesday night when he takes the mound against his former club for the first time in the Tampa Bay Rays' series finale against the Detroit Tigers in St. Petersburg, Fla. The left-hander was a waiver-wire acquisition by the Rays from Detroit in November and made Tampa's final roster out of spring camp. The Rays had a role for the soft-tossing Alexander in mind: Position him behind a fire-balling right-hander like Ryan Pepiot. Preparing for his fifth appearance and third start in 2024, Alexander (1-0, 4.79 ERA) has allowed 11 runs and 22 hits in 20 2/3 innings as he adjusts to his new club and his role as the final starter in manager Kevin Cash's rotation.