Pitcher Tyler Alexander signed with the Tampa Bay Rays after the Tigers designated him for assignment in November.
The (good-natured) trash talk has begun: Tyler Alexander vs. Tigers in series’ finale
St. Petersburg, Fla. — The trash talking already has begun.
Tigers players already have been firing barbs at their friend and former teammate Tyler Alexander, two days ahead of having to face him Wednesday.
“Yeah, I’m already fielding texts from those guys,” Alexander said, laughing. “They’re already talking crap.”
Oh, it will go both ways, rest assured.
Alexander grew up in the Tigers’ organization, starting in 2016 and he was a valuable, versatile hybrid reliever-starter from 2019 through last season. But, on the eve of his first arbitration winter where he stood to make at least $2 million and with the Tigers not convinced his shoulder was completely healthy, designated him for assignment in November.
In an interview with The Detroit News on Jan. 2, Alexander said, “I was surprised for sure. There was no pretext to it. But I get it. With me being hurt and with the amount of money I was owed — everything on the business side made sense as to why they did it and why they chose me to do it with.”
He was out of work for five days and the Rays came calling, offering him a big-league contract worth $1.95 million.
“It’s been awesome,” Alexander said of his transition in Tampa. “Great staff, good guys. It’s fun. Pitching-wise, I haven’t changed anything. It’s more been sequencing stuff; what I’m throwing and when I’m throwing it.
“It’s been a more unique way to throw the same pitches.”
He won the fifth-starter competition with a strong spring camp (allowing two runs in nine innings) and has made two traditional starts and come in as the bulk-innings pitcher following an opener twice. The Rays haven’t determined which route they will go with Alexander on Wednesday.
His last two outings have been strong. He allowed two runs in six innings in a win against the Giants and last time out he blanked the Yankees for 5.1 innings.
“He’s just that kind of guy,” Tigers’ catcher Jake Rogers said. “No matter where he ends up, he’s going to be that guy who can do everything. He can start. He can come out of the bullpen. No matter where he’s at, he is going to be that versatile guy.
“He had to fight for the fifth spot there and he got it. I’m happy for him. He found his way, he’s had some success and he had to earn it.”
Alexander vs. the Tigers on Wednesday night: If ever a pitcher and opposing dugout should be mic’d, it would be for this game. Hilarity, albeit the R-rated kind, most certainly will ensue.
“I am looking forward to it,” Alexander said, already holding back a chuckle. “But I’m nervous that I’m not going to take it as seriously as I need to.”
To which Rogers said, in mock shock, “Todd? Not taking it seriously? Come on.”
Todd is Alexander’s abbreviated nickname, short for Todd the Painter.
“It’ll be fun,” Rogers said. “The boys will be on him. I’m sure it will be must-see TV. We’ll be laughing.”
Alexander said the same thing. He couldn’t imagine himself keeping a straight face if Rogers steps into the box against him. If it’s anything like their live BP sessions in Lakeland, buckle up.
Rogers steps in and Alexander throws a first-pitch changeup.
Rogers: “What, you don’t want to throw a first-pitch heater?!”
Alexander: “Swing the bat.”
Second pitch, another changeup, painted outside edge and Rogers takes it.
Alexander: “Oh come on. Swing the bat. You’ve got to chase on that one.”
On and on it would go.
“I am really going to have to lock it in so I’m not laughing,” Alexander said.
Alexander stood behind the cage during the Tigers’ early batting practice Monday, chopping it up with a group of Tigers’ players, trainers and coaches, including manager AJ Hinch and Rogers.
“With the exception of just a couple of guys, I know all those guys,” he said. “They’re all my friends from over the years. I was there so long, I came up with most of them and if I didn’t come up with them, I played with them for a couple of years.
“It’s going to be fun.”
Said Rogers: “No matter if it’s our success or his success, it’ll be something to see.”
