When you tie an American League record by striking out 9-straight batters, you can expect good things to happen.
That is precisely what has happened to Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyler Alexander after striking out nine Cincinnati Reds batters this past Sunday.
According to reports, Alexander is not part of the Tigers starting rotation, while Daniel Norris has been moved to the bullpen.
“He’s been throwing really well. Alexander’s been dominant,” Gardenhire said. “As a manager, you start thinking, ‘Who’s throwing good right now?’ This guy’s been a starter, so it’s a not a big deal to him. It’s what he wants to do. So it’s really an easy change.”
As far as Norris goes, Gardy said he thinks Norris looked a little overwhelmed in his first start but that he has to get his confidence back up.
“It just didn’t look like he was ready to do this on a starting basis,” Gardenhire said of Norris. “He misfired all over the place and I think was a little overwhelmed, but we think he will eventually be back in (the rotation). We’ve just got to get him to calm down and give him some easier innings to get through and get his confidence back up.”
Alexander will make his first start at Comerica Park on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox.