White Sox agree to 1-year contract with left-hander Tyler Alexander

CHICAGO — Tyler Alexander signed a one-year deal with the White Sox on Sunday, and then hopped in a car for a ride from Milwaukee to Chicago to join his new team.

Then he got into the game.

Alexander pitched three innings of one-run ball in his Chicago debut. The left-hander picked up the loss as the White Sox fell 7-5 to the Kansas City Royals in the finale of their weekend series.

“Today has been a whirlwind,” he said.

Alexander, a Chicago native who turns 31 next month, was designated for assignment by Milwaukee last weekend. He cleared waivers and opted for free agency.

He went 3-5 with a 6.19 ERA and one save in 21 appearances for the Brewers this season, including four starts. He had 30 strikeouts and 12 walks over 36 1/3 innings.

“We had been talking to the White Sox prior to today so we knew that if I signed, that there would be a good chance of me throwing today,” he said. “So mentally I had prepared for it. … Just try to go with the flow and I had faced the Royals already this year.”

The White Sox also placed left-hander Jared Shuster on the 15-day injured list before their loss to Kansas City. Shuster has a blister on his left hand.

To make room for Alexander on the 40-man roster, left-hander Fraser Ellard was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Ellard has a left lat strain.

Alexander is 20-34 with a 4.66 ERA in 165 career major league appearances, also playing for the Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays.

“The guy literally just shows up and steps right into an outing, which is impressive,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “And I think that just speaks to what’s attractive about him, which is the guy’s been around, obviously a nice mix from the left side, can pitch in multiple different roles. So excited to have him.”