Red Sox sign veteran pitcher Jason Alexander to a minors pact
“The uniforms! Did you see how they played? Listen to these comments! "Wade Boggs: 'What a fabric! Finally we can breathe.' Luis Palonia: 'Cotton is king.' Paul O'Neill: 'I never dreamed anything could be so soft and fluffy.'" - George Costanza
The Red Sox have signed right-handed reliever Jason Alexander, not to be confused with the famous actor who played the iconic character George Costanza on Seinfeld. Alexander agreed to a minor league deal and have assigned him to Triple-A Worcester, per the team’s transactions log.
The 30-year-old righty made 18 appearances (11 starts) for the Brewers two years go. He posted a 2-3 record with a 5.40 ERA over 71 2/3 frames. Alexander is not known for being a strikeout pitcher, he is more known for his ability to induce the ground ball and doesn’t offer many walks.
Last season, he was shut down in the spring due to a shoulder strain and began the season on the 60-day injured list. Once he was activated off the IL, he was optioned to Triple-A and eventually outrighted off the 40-man roster.
He tossed 55 1/3 innings at Triple-A last year with a 5.86 ERA, 13.8% strikeout rate, 7.5% walk rate and 46.1% ground ball rate, per FanGraphs. He was not added back to the roster at season’s end and was able to elect free agency. The California native pitched across three levels of the Brewers system, overall posting a 6.14 ERA.
Alexander is not here in camp to change the look and feel of the uniforms like George did with the Yankees, the hurler is seen as more depth for the Red Sox upper-minors and should start the season with the WooSox. With experience as a starter, he will offer the club a swingman-type, offering innings as a starter and reliever.
He will join fellow non-roster invitees Joely Rodriguez and Lucas Luetge in camp looking to secure a spot on the roster.