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Tampa Bay Rays add needed outfield piece in David Peralta

By David Hill

Jul 11, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder David Peralta (6) smiles after scoring a run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder David Peralta (6) smiles after scoring a run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Rays desperately needed help in the outfield due to a myriad of injuries. One reinforcement is coming courtesy of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

David Peralta is on the move, heading to Tampa Bay. According to Jeff Passan from ESPN, the Rays are sending minor league catcher Christian Cerda to Arizona.

Tampa Bay Rays land desperately needed outfielder in David Peralta

The Rays’ outfield is a shell of what it had been at the start of the season. The oft-injured Kevin Kiermaier has been sidelined again and is out for the rest of the year. Manuel Margot and Harold Ramirez are also on the Injured List, leaving the Rays with Josh Lowe, Brett Phillips, and Roman Quinn as their options next to Randy Arozarena.

Peralta would provide some help to their outfield, especially against right handed pitching. He has produced a solid .248/.316/.460 batting line in his 310 plate appearances this season, hitting 12 homers and 19 doubles. It is also worth noting that Peralta has an .823 OPS against righties this year in 272 plate appearances, hitting each of his homers against them.

While he is never going to reach the 30 home run plateau or win a Gold Glove award again, he remains a solid enough player. Peralta has saved four runs in left this season, ranking fifth in the NL at the time of his trade. His respectable pop and ability to draw a walk and make contact will be assets for the Rays over the next couple of months.

In exchange, the Diamondbacks receive a somewhat intriguing catcher in Cerda. He did not rate amongst the Rays’ top prospects, but has produced a .315/.464/.519 batting line with 15 walks and 12 strikeouts in 69 plate appearances as a 19 year old in the Florida Complex League. That plate discipline, along with a strong arm that has thrown out 38% of would-be basestealers over his two years in the minors, makes him someone to keep an eye on moving forward.

Next. Catcher may be Rays' top priority. dark

The Tampa Bay Rays need several pieces around the diamond. They have begun to address those needs by acquiring David Peralta from the Diamondbacks.

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