Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta was a punchline in New York. He’s now a headliner in Florida.
Peralta powered the Tampa Bay Rays to a 3-1 home win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday night. He pitched six scoreless innings, striking out six batters and allowing just four hits. Tampa Bay has now evened the best-of-seven series. The postseason contest will head to Cleveland for Game 3 on Thursday night (TBS/truTV, 6 p.m. ET).
Peralta pounded his chest as he exited the mound in his final inning. Consider that an emotional release from a pitcher who was once considered one of Major League Baseball’s most underwhelming players.
2026 has been a long road for Freddy Peralta
Peralta started the season with the New York Mets, who acquired him in an offseason trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. The move didn’t pan out for New York.
