Rays Unlock Peralta's Potential for ALCS Game 6

Freddy Peralta arrived with the Rays after posting a 4.99 ERA across 22 starts. The club acquired him for three prospects and immediately convened a meeting with coaches and staff to review his delivery and pitch mix. Peralta worked from the stretch in his prior peak season, and the Rays encouraged him to return to that approach while shifting to the third-base side of the rubber and widening his stance.

Further adjustments included a quicker delivery and drills that emphasized leg drive. Peralta's fastball gained life, reaching an average of 96.9 mph and touching 99.4 mph. He threw 71 fastballs out of 99 pitches in one outing for a 72 percent rate. The Rays also increased his changeup usage to pair with the heater.

Over his final six regular-season starts, Peralta allowed three runs in 34 innings for a 0.79 ERA. He has started Game 2 in each of the Rays' first two playoff series and will take the mound in Game 6 of the ALCS. The club believes the combination of mechanical tweaks and renewed confidence has restored the two-time All-Star to form.