Freddy Peralta’s Historic Pitching Streak with the Tampa Bay Rays

When you achieve something on the baseball field matched by only two Hall of Famers in 114 years, it’s significant. Tampa Bay Rays star and ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta has been outstanding in recent games. In his last 10 starts, including regular season and postseason, he pitched over 50 innings, allowing one run or fewer in each of those games. The Rays have won all 10 games, according to Opta STATS.

Only two other pitchers have managed such streaks: St. Louis Cardinals legend Bob Gibson in 1968 and Walter Johnson in 1913 with the Washington Nationals, a franchise that became the Washington Senators and eventually the Minnesota Twins in 1961.

Freddy Peralta, acquired by the Rays from the New York Mets at the trade deadline, initially carried a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts. His improvement surpassed expectations. “This is crazy,” Peralta admitted. “I’m very happy and grateful to be here because in July, I had no idea where I would be. I think this was the right place.”

Since joining the team, the 30-year-old recorded a 5-2 record in 10 regular-season starts, boasting a 3.25 ERA. He was named the American League’s Pitcher of the Month for September. His postseason numbers are impressive too; in four appearances, Peralta has a 1.08 ERA over 16 2/3 innings.

Nicknamed “Fastball Freddy,” Peralta credited coaches Kyle Snyder, Jorge Moncada, and Charlie Valerio for his resurgence. “They helped me a lot,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough. Their support is something I’ll never forget. I’m grateful to have such people in my life.”

The upcoming World Series holds personal significance for Peralta. He will face the Milwaukee Brewers, the team he played with for eight years. “Milwaukee is where I made my dream,” Peralta reflected. “They will always be in my heart, but now is a time to compete.”

As he prepares for free agency in the offseason, Peralta aims to help the Rays secure their first World Series title before potentially landing a lucrative deal.