Tyler Alexander collects fourth save vs. Toronto

With Jacob Latz unavailable following three appearances in five days, Alexander was summoned in the ninth to close out the game against the Blue Jays with a three-run lead. He worked a clean frame on 15 pitches for his third save of the season.

Alexander just got his second career save Saturday in the 10th inning against the Phillies after both Chris Martin and Robert Garcia worked in regulation. Now he has three, probably because Martin, Garcia and Cole Winn were all unavailable after working in both games over the weekend. We wouldn’t expect the lefty, who has usually been employed as a swingman, to keep adding to that total with any regularity, but then it’s not like the Rangers have any sure things in their pen.

The deal is now official. Alexander provides the Rangers with a versatile swingman capable of soaking up innings as a traditional starter or versatile reliever. The 31-year-old posted an inflated 4.98 ERA — 3.64 FIP — 1.40 WHIP and 82/30 K/BB ratio across 97 2/3 innings over 52 appearances between the White Sox and Brewers.

No word yet on the financial terms of the deal. The 31-year-old southpaw had a rough season in 2025, posting a 5-14 record, 4.98 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and an 82/30 K/BB ratio across 97 2/3 innings in 52 appearances between the White Sox and Brewers. He’s likely to function in his traditional swingman role for the Rangers.

The 31-year-old southpaw struck out five batters against his former squad. Unfortunately, he came on with the White Sox trailing 1-0 in the second inning and they only scored one run for him, so he had to settle for a no-decision after his brilliant performance. Alexander got six swings and misses on 65 pitches in the ballgame, posting a CSW of 32 percent. He now sports a 4.27 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and a 67/25 K/BB ratio over 78 innings on the season.

This was Adrian Houser’s turn, but the White Sox scratched him in anticipation of a trade. Alexander managed to open up with three scoreless innings, but he was charged with one run before and one run after exiting in the fourth. He could return to middle relief now, though the White Sox will likely have at least one rotation spot opening up tomorrow.

Houser has not been traded as of now, but he seems destined to be dealt either today or tomorrow, so the White Sox don’t want to risk him getting hurt before that happens. Tyler Alexander will replace him for what will likely be a bullpen game.

Apparently, Smith suffered the injury while pitching earlier this week in the MLB All-Star Game or at some point during the All-Star break. No word yet on the severity of the sprain, which will determine how much time he misses. Assuming it’s on the lower-end of the spectrum, Smith should make it back at some point in early August. The 25-year-old rookie has been a revelation this season for Chicago, wrapping up the first half with a strong 4.26 ERA and 81/37 K/BB ratio across 86 2/3 innings (18 starts) in his first taste of the majors. The most logical solution for the White Sox would involve stretching out either Tyler Alexander or Mike Vasil to fill Smith’s rotation spot for a couple turns.

Alexander followed flame-throwing opener Grant Taylor and seemed to catch the Blue Jays hitters off-balance with heaps of sweepers, cutters, and changeups. The soft-tossing lefty had the privilege of pitching with a big lead and just let the Blue Jays hit their way into easy outs. He’s likely to get another shot working in bulk or even possibly as a regular starter next week against the Diamondbacks.

Alexander heads to the Windy City ahead of Sunday’s game against the Royals to provide a rebuilding Chicago club with an experienced left-handed swingman option. He ended up on the free agent wire earlier this week shortly after being removed from Milwaukee’s roster. The 30-year-old southpaw has recorded a pedestrian 6.19 ERA across 36 1/3 innings (21 appearances, four starts) this season in the big leagues.