Rays Need Freddy Peralta to Deliver Against Former Team in World Series Game 3

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired Freddy Peralta at the trade deadline with the expectation that he could help the organization compete for a World Series championship. And after delivering several impressive performances throughout October, the right-hander now faces his biggest challenge of the postseason.

Tampa Bay enters Monday's Game 3 against the Milwaukee Brewers trailing 2-0 in the World Series. And with the Rays struggling to get consistent performances from their starting rotation, Peralta will have an opportunity to help turn the series around against his former organization.

However, the Rays will need more than another impressive outing. They need Peralta to pitch deep into the contest.

Tampa Bay entered the World Series with what appeared to be a significant advantage in its starting rotation.

Unfortunately, that advantage hasn't translated into victories.

Nick Martinez allowed two earned runs across five innings in Game 1, but the Rays couldn't provide enough offensive support in the 3-2 loss.

Things were considerably worse in Game 2.

Drew Rasmussen entered Saturday's contest having allowed just three earned runs across 21 postseason innings. However, the right-hander struggled against Milwaukee, allowing three earned runs across just 3.2 innings.

And despite Tampa Bay jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, the Brewers eventually completed the comeback, winning 5-4.

The biggest concern moving forward is how much the Rays have relied on their starting pitching throughout October.

Especially considering the struggles of Tampa Bay's bullpen.

Peralta has been everything Tampa Bay could have hoped for since acquiring him at the trade deadline.

The right-hander enters Monday having gone 7-0 with a 0.89 ERA across his last 10 appearances, including nine starts.

He also earned ALCS MVP honors after helping Tampa Bay advance to its third World Series appearance.

However, Monday presents a different challenge.

Peralta spent eight seasons with Milwaukee, meaning the Brewers are extremely familiar with his pitching.

And while that familiarity could create some difficulties, I think the biggest priority for Peralta is simply pitching deep into the contest.

The Rays don't necessarily need six scoreless innings. However, six strong innings would go a long way toward limiting Kevin Cash's reliance on a bullpen that has struggled throughout the first two games.

Tampa Bay will return to Tropicana Field on Monday night looking to avoid falling into a 3-0 World Series deficit.

Peralta will face Milwaukee left-hander Robert Gasser, with first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. EST.

And while Peralta has delivered several impressive performances throughout October, the Rays need another one.

Especially with their World Series hopes potentially depending on it.