Detroit Tigers: Tyler Alexander swiped by the Rays on waiver wire

The Detroit Tigers DFA'd Tyler Alexander; but someone else swooped in.

The Detroit Tigers made a flurry of moves earlier this week. They are gearing up for the off-season, getting their 40-man roster in order, and discussing what they want the roster to look like moving forward.

For the Detroit Tigers, one of the things on the to-do list seems to be refining the pitching staff and cycling in some new names for the bullpen. In doing so, that meant gutting some of the current relievers. Detroit did that by DFA'ing and outrighting several, including Tyler Alexander.

Alexander, 29, has been with Detroit for several years. He's a familiar face working out of the bullpen and even making the spot start or emergency start as needed. Over the years, he's been a bit of a Swiss army knife for the Tigers' pitching staff.

While Alexander was not an all-star or even better than an average left-hander, he served a purpose with Detroit, but his time in the Motor City has come to an end. The Tigers DFA'd him, and Dr. Doom came in to snipe him.

The Tampa Bay Rays grabbed Alexander on waivers. While losing someone who was DFA'd on waivers should not feel like it hurts too much, losing Alexander to the Rays has to sting a little. Mainly because the Rays are known for making something out of nothing.

Next thing you know, Alexander will pitch for the Rays in a rock-solid reliever role with a sub-3.00 ERA and more strikeouts than walks. Tip the cap to the Rays and their development staff, but it has to always be one of those "Oh great, here we go" thoughts when the Rays grab one of the Tigers players.

Alexander pitched in 25 games for Detroit in 2023, where he pitched to a 4.50 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and accumulated 44.0 innings pitched. Alexander struck out 44 hitters and walked just five opposing hitters. He had some injury trouble, but even then, he was doing alright. Making it a slightly puzzling move.

For Detroit, the decision to part ways with Alexander likely came down to roster construction and the thoughts of their current arms on staff. Alexander was a left-hander who could be used pretty much whenever and however.

Now, this is a whole other conversation in itself, but maybe the Tigers are a little more "out" on Joey Wentz, seeing him stepping into that same role as Alexander. It's a possibility and would free up another bullpen spot to re-tool and take some chances in free agency, on waivers, or in the Rule 5 Draft if the opportunity presents itself.