2018 Dodgers Review: Scott Alexander

The Dodgers acquired left-handed reliever Scott Alexander as part of a three-team trade on January 4, 2018.

Alexander started his 2018 season by walking nine in 11⅓ innings in 11 total games played in March and April. He was then optioned to Oklahoma City on April 29th.

He pitched four scoreless innings in four games at Oklahoma City and was recalled to the Dodgers on May 9th. Alexander would stay on the 25-man roster for the rest of the season.

Alexander led the team with 73 pitching appearances, one of those was his first start in his major league career.

What went right

Alexander was again one of the best at getting batters to hit a ground ball. His ground ball rate was 70.9%. That was second to Brad Ziegler in the National League.

He also did not give up a home run to a left-handed batter in the regular season.

What went wrong

Alexander repeated his 3.7 BB/9 IP from 2017. Also he had an ERA of 4.00 or higher in four of the six months he pitched in 2018.

2018 particulars

Age: 29

Stats: 2-1, 3 saves in 73 appearances. 3.68 ERA, 7.6 SO/9 IP, 3.7 BB/9 IP

Game of the year

Scott Alexander made his first career start on May 19, 2018 against the Washington Nationals. It was in the second game of a doubleheader.

Rich Hill had to leave the game due to a blister. Hill did get two strikes on Trea Turner before leaving.

Alexander came in and got the strikeout. In fact, he struck out the side in the first inning. In the second, he gave up a walk that was followed by a ground ball which became a double play.

Alexander would then record his fourth strikeout to end his night. Eventually, the Dodgers would rally to beat the Nationals 5-4 and sweep the doubleheader. ]

Roster status

Alexander has 2.097 years of service time. He also has two options remaining.