The Tampa Bay Rays earned a 3-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday night. Freddy Peralta, who was acquired by the Rays from the New York Mets ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, turned in six shutout innings while striking out six hitters. Peralta has looked like a completely different pitcher with the Rays, as he recorded a 3.25 ERA across 10 regular season starts with Tampa Bay after pitching to a 4.99 ERA in 22 outings with the Mets. Peralta has a 0.84 ERA in his two starts this postseason as well.
Former All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo revealed how Mets fans are likely feeling after seeing Peralta find success in Tampa Bay after struggling with New York, via Ross and Rizzo Unfiltered.
“It's crazy, right? How mad are you as a Mets fan to see the guy that you guys traded for from Milwaukee, right, and this isn't a stray to the Mets organization, sometimes guys just don't adapt right away,” Rizzo said. “And then he goes to Tampa and just starts shoving. They unlock his changeup or his split more. He starts throwing that more.
“Goes out, what his last seven starts he's had under a one ERA? That's not easy.”
Article Continues BelowThe Rays and Guardians are tied 1-1 in the ALCS. Meanwhile, the Brewers, who, as Rizzo mentioned, traded Peralta to the Mets last offseason, hold a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
It's a frustrating time for Mets fans. New York will attempt to build a winning ball club during the offseason.