Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta is starting to look like an ace again after dominating the New York Mets. With back-to-back strong starts, Peralta could become a major weapon in the Rays starting rotation for the 2026 MLB playoffs.
The Tampa Bay Rays might finally be getting the version of Freddy Peralta they hoped for when they acquired him. They believed they could 'fix him' and it looks like they are in the right direction.
And if they are, this team just became even more dangerous.
Peralta was outstanding in Tampa Bay's 6-2 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday, allowing only one earned run and three hits across six innings.
He struck out seven, didn't walk a batter, and needed only 74 pitches to get through his outing.
However, the most impressive part might have been how he responded after the first inning.
Francisco Lindor hit a home run to begin the game, and the Mets picked up three hits in the opening frame. They didn't get another hit against Peralta.
He retired the next 15 batters he faced and completely shut down his former team. It was a blast from the past as he showed his former 'ace-like' stuff.
And it wasn't just this start. He's trending in the right direction.
Peralta threw six scoreless innings in his previous start against the Detroit Tigers and has now put together back-to-back outings without allowing a walk.
That's exactly the Freddy Peralta the Rays need if they want to go deep in the postseason.
Tampa Bay already has a pitching staff capable of competing in October, although some are dealing with injuries, but adding this version of Peralta could completely change what the rotation looks like once the postseason begins.
Of course, it also helps when the rest of the team plays like it did Tuesday.
The bats need to give run support, and that happened on Tuesday night. The Rays finished with 13 hits and six runs after struggling to take advantage of their opportunities in Monday's loss.
Yandy Diaz bounced back with a home run, Junior Caminero extended his hitting streak to 15 games, and Victor Mesa Jr. went 3 for 4 in his return to the lineup.
Liam Hicks has helped lengthen the lineup. Mesa immediately provided another option Tuesday, and Tampa Bay still produced 13 hits without Jonathan Aranda in the starting lineup.
Peralta has now given the Rays two straight starts that should have everyone excited about what he could become in October.
Because this version of Freddy Peralta changes things.
The Rays will look to win the series against the Mets in the finale on Wednesday. Shane McClanahan will get the start as he looks for his 11th win of the season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST.
