At first, he didn't think much of it. But finally on a road trip with Triple-Omaha, Alexander, who worked one inning on Tuesday against the Reds and did not give up an earned run, got so weak that team trainers urged him to drive back to Omaha to get a blood test.
The results showed he had a blood-sugar level in the 300s. He had Type 1 diabetes.
Alexander was shocked and relieved at the same time. At least he knew what the problem was and how to treat it.
"I had noticed for quite a while that I wasn't recovering the same way and not feeling strong," Alexander said.