Joel Peralta, a right-handed relief pitcher from the Dominican Republic, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills across several teams. Born on March 23, 1976, in Bonao, Dominican Republic, Peralta's journey to the major leagues was not a straightforward path. He initially signed with the Oakland Athletics as an amateur free agent in 1996, but it wasn't until 2005 that he made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels.
Peralta's career in the majors began with the Angels, where he pitched in 28 games during the 2005 season. His performance caught the attention of the Kansas City Royals, who claimed him off waivers in 2006. With the Royals, Peralta found more opportunities to pitch, appearing in 63 games in 2006 and 40 games in 2007. His time with Kansas City helped establish him as a reliable bullpen option, known for his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
In 2008, Peralta joined the Colorado Rockies, where he continued to hone his skills as a relief pitcher. Although his stint with the Rockies was brief, he managed to pitch in 27 games. The following year, he signed with the Washington Nationals, where he spent two seasons. During his time with the Nationals, Peralta became known for his effective use of the splitter, a pitch that became a key part of his arsenal.
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired Peralta in 2011, marking a significant chapter in his career. Over four seasons with the Rays, he became a mainstay in their bullpen, appearing in over 70 games each year from 2011 to 2013. His consistency and reliability were valuable assets for the Rays, and he played a crucial role in their bullpen strategy. In 2012, Peralta set a personal best with 84 appearances, which was the most in the American League that year.
After his tenure with the Rays, Peralta was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014. He continued to be a dependable option out of the bullpen, despite dealing with injuries that limited his appearances. In 2015, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he pitched in 26 games before being released mid-season. Peralta then signed with the Chicago Cubs, finishing the season with them.
In 2016, Peralta signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, but he was released before the season began. He later joined the Chicago Cubs organization again, pitching for their Triple-A affiliate before being called up to the majors. His final MLB appearance came with the Cubs in 2016.
Throughout his career, Joel Peralta was known for his durability and effectiveness as a relief pitcher.
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