Scott

Alexander

Alexander was designated for assignment and went unclaimed. The 36-year-old is now free to find a new home, but is almost assuredly looking at another minor-league contract.

Alexander was signed by the Giants after being released by the Rockies in June. The southpaw will be a middle-inning option with Erik Miller placed on the injured list with an elbow sprain.

Alexander was released by the Rockies after posting a 6.06 ERA in 16 1/3 innings this season. However, he did post a 2.56 ERA in 38 2/3 innings for the A’s last year, so he could return some value in San Francisco. He will start by reporting to Triple-A Sacramento.

Alexander has been cut loose to pursue another opportunity after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 35-year-old lefty was designated for assignment last week by Colorado after compiling a bloated 6.06 ERA across 16 1/3 innings in 19 appearances.

It’s never fun to lose your job, but not having to pitch for the Rockies seems like a decent consolation prize. The 35-year-old was awful in his limited action with Colorado, but his modicum of success at his other stops could cause some interest n the waiver wire. If not, he’ll be an intriguing minor-league free agent.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the deal is worth $2 million. Alexander lands a major league contract after posting a 2.56 ERA in 38 2/3 innings for the A’s last year. He’s had trouble sticking in the bigs despite a career 3.20 ERA since debuting with the Royals in 2015, but his groundball ability would seem to make him ideal for the Rockies pen.

Alexander missed barely more than the minimum with rotator cuff tendinitis. The lefty has a 2.51 ERA in 28 2/3 innings out of Oakland’s bullpen this year.

Given the nature of the injury, Alexander’s season is probably over. The 35-year-old lefty has pitched to a strong 2.51 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 20/10 K/BB ratio across 28 2/3 innings (34 appearances) this season in his Athletics debut.

Alexander will make his Oakland debut following a seven-week stint on the injured list at the outset of the season recovering from a stress reaction in his left ribs. The 34-year-old southpaw figures to pitch in middle relief intially, but could find himself in the late-inning mix at some point.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay told reporters it’s probably a long shot for Alexander to resume throwing offf a mound by the end of spring training. The 34-year-old left-hander’s absence opens the door for someone like Sean Newcomb to make the season-opening roster in his place.