PHOENIX (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired outfielder David Peralta from the Arizona Diamondbacks, adding an experienced left-handed hitter to enter the race for a playoff berth.
As part of the trade, the Rays sent catcher Christian Cerda, 19, who plays in the minor leagues, to Arizona.
Peralta, 34, has spent his nine-year career with the Diamondbacks. He won the Silver Slugger in 2018 and the Gold Glove a year later. His hitting has dwindled in recent seasons, but he’s still good against right-handed pitchers.
Popular with Arizona fans, Peralta is hitting .248 this season with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs.
“My reaction was shock,” said the Venezuelan. “It sure was a sad moment for me. But on the other hand I was really excited and happy about the Rays interest in me, because they think I can help them get to the playoffs. I know that’s what will happen.”
Rays general manager Peter Bendix said Peralta will likely play a lot of left field for a club that has 16 players on the disabled list, the most in the American League.
Among them are three outfielders: Kevin Kiermaier, the Dominican Manuel Margot and the Colombian Harold Ramírez. Kiermaier sat out for the rest of the season to undergo surgery on his left hip.
“He has a history of good offensive performance, which we like,” Bendix said. “We think he is someone who can give stability to our lineup. He defends well, he is a complete player. He has seen many things in this sport. I think he will immediately bring a good balance to our team.”
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said the trade made sense for his club, especially since Peralta will be a free agent in a few months. However, he acknowledged that the farewell was difficult.
“It was a tough, emotional conversation,” Hazen said. “He brought energy, enthusiasm and was a really good player for us.”
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