Peralta's return
ST. PETERSBURG — Freddy Peralta will face his former team for the first time since being traded from the Mets to the Rays, as the two clubs meet Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. Peralta, who was dealt almost exactly a month ago, will start the middle game of the series against the Mets, who come in with the AL East-leading Rays.
Peralta's tenure with the Mets was a struggle. He went 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts, a far cry from his All-Star form with the Brewers. After the Mets fell out of playoff contention, they traded him to Tampa Bay for prospects Emilien Pitrie, Aidan Smith and Gary Gill Hill, who are now the Mets' No. 11, 16 and 17 prospects, according to com.
"It was the first time that I was struggling like that, but I never gave up," Peralta said. "I was always trying to find a way to feel better, to pitch better. I knew what I could do and I was feeling good physically too and healthy, but I couldn't make the adjustments. The good thing is that now I'm different, I feel different, and I am ready to keep going to the World Series hopefully."
A fresh start with the Rays
Since joining the Rays, Peralta has shown signs of improvement. In his last start, he held the Tigers to two hits over six scoreless innings, recording four strikeouts, his second quality start with the club. That came after he allowed five runs over seven innings in Baltimore.
"Obviously, I feel different mentally and physically. I feel really comfortable right now, because I was working on a lot of stuff when I was in New York but I couldn't make the adjustment until I got here," Peralta said. "The more important thing is now I am in the spot that I want to be."
Peralta acknowledged that he "let them down" in New York, but he said the pressure of pitching there was not a factor, calling pressure "just part of the game." He also spoke warmly of his former teammates.
"They have a very good group of guys over there. The youngest guys too. They have very good guys and I wish them the best," he said.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said he expects Peralta to "compete at the highest level possible" as the team fights for the AL East crown.
Rays' playoff push
The Rays entered Monday night with an 82-54 record, best in the American League, and hold a five-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East. Their pitching staff has the second-best WHIP and fifth-best ERA in Major League Baseball, while the offense leads MLB in team batting average, featuring All-Stars Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz.
"The pitchers are grinding harder. The offense is trying to hit some more home runs to make damage. It's better. It's more emotional," Peralta said of the Rays' clubhouse.
Mets' roster moves
With rosters expanding, the Mets called up outfielder Nick Morabito and right-hander Dylan Ross on Tuesday, adding to their youth movement. The Mets, who have fallen out of playoff contention, are looking toward the future as they face the AL's top team.
Meanwhile, Mets starter Sean Manaea has struggled recently, allowing six earned runs on eight hits and one walk over 5⅔ innings against the Brewers in his last outing. He has given up a combined 14 runs in his last three starts, and enters Tuesday with a 4-6 record and 4.55 ERA in 28 appearances.