Peralta Dominates Former Team

Freddy Peralta, traded from the Mets a month ago, improved to 5-0 against his former team on Tuesday night, pitching the Tampa Bay Rays to a 6-2 win at Tropicana Field. The right-hander allowed one run on three hits over six innings, striking out seven and walking none, as the Rays evened the three-game series at 1-1.

Francisco Lindor led off the game with a home run, his 15th of the season, giving the Mets a brief 1-0 lead. But the Mets managed only three hits total and were held hitless after the first inning, going 0-for-26 the rest of the way.

Mets' Offense Stalls

After Lindor's homer, the Mets had runners on first and second with one out in the first inning but failed to score. Peralta retired the next two batters to escape the jam. He struck out three in the second inning, including Lindor.

The Mets' only other run came in the seventh inning when they loaded the bases on walks, with Garrett Cleavinger walking in a run and Tyler Wells throwing ball four to Lindor. But Juan Soto popped up a changeup from Wells to third base with the bases loaded, ending the inning.

Peralta's Adjustments Pay Off

Peralta, who went 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts with the Mets this season, has made mechanical adjustments since joining the Rays. He has moved his arm slot and his hands, getting more movement on his pitches. This was his second straight start without allowing a walk and his third outing with six or more innings. After six innings, he had thrown only 74 pitches.

Peralta denied that his struggles in New York were due to pressure, saying, "I don't see pressure. It's a way bigger market and there's a lot more fans, people there, and everybody is paid to win for every day. I enjoyed those kinds of moments when I was in New York, but I don't see it as pressure."

Manaea Struggles Again

Mets starter Sean Manaea (4-7) was charged with five earned runs on 11 hits over 5 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out two. The Rays scored in the first inning to tie the game, then added runs on a sacrifice fly and a Yandy Diaz home run to make it 5-2. Manaea has now given up 17 earned runs in his last four outings.

Trade Context

The Mets traded Peralta to the Rays for three prospects: outfielder Aidan Smith, right-hander Gary Gill Hill, and infielder Émilien Pitre. Peralta's biggest contribution to the Mets may have been arranging a sit-down meeting between Lindor and Juan Soto to improve their relationship, which had been chilly since the 2025 season. Injuries to both players kept them out of the lineup together often early in 2026 and contributed to the Mets' decision to sell at the trade deadline.

Looking Ahead

The rubber game of the series is set for Wednesday night. The Rays' bullpen held the Mets scoreless after Peralta's exit, with Tyler Wells going 1 2/3 innings and Kevin Kelly retiring the side in order in the ninth.