by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/18/2013) With closer Fernando Rodney unavailable, Rays setup man Joel Peralta picked up his first save of the season Friday night against the Orioles.
Peralta needed just 16 pitches as he retired the last four batters to secure a 12-10 victory. He has struck out three and has not allowed a run in his last 5 1/3 innings of relief.
Rays to give Fernando Rodney rest after busy WBC
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/20/2013) Rays closer Fernando Rodney pitched in all eight Dominican Republic games in the World Baseball Classic and, as a result, will be given five to six days off to rest, manager Joe Maddon told the Tampa Tribune.
Maddon also added that the team will have to monitor Rodney's workload this season. "So, do we keep more of an eye on him or do you just parcel out his work a little bit more in the beginning? I don't know," Maddon said. "Does it really benefit him during the course of the year somehow? Does it get us off to a better start? I don't know. But I think long range, by the end of the season, you almost have to count these appearances to the total number, so you have to really watch August and September."
Save speculators in deeper fantasy leagues should consider rostering setup men Joel Peralta and Jake McGee, as both could be in line for save chances throughout the year should Maddon decide to limit Rodney's innings in any way.
Peralta showing no neck issues
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/18/2013) Rays relief pitcher Joel Peralta completed a 25-pitch bullpen session Monday without any troubles with his neck, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Peralta has been dealing with stiffness in his neck since the past weekend, but was not in danger of missing opening day.
Peralta to miss WBC
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/17/2013) Rays reliever Joel Peralta decided not to participate in the World Baseball Classic for Team Dominican Republic this year after being slowed by a stiff neck, reports MLB.com. Peralta is a little disappointed he won't play in the WBC. "The main thing is, this is probably the only chance I have to play in the WBC and I'm not going to be able to," Peralta said. "I was hoping that I could. Years earlier, I was anxious for them to invite me to go and they didn't. Now, they invite me to go and I can't go. So it hurts a little bit."
Peralta has stiff neck
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/16/2013) Rays reliever Joel Peralta said Saturday that his stiff neck has improved enough to allow him to begin long-tossing, reports MLB.com. "Maybe [I'll throw a] bullpen tomorrow," Peralta said. Peralta's status with Team Dominican Republic for the World Baseball Classic is still up in the air, however. "I don't think that I'll be ready to help the team," Peralta said.
Peralta may be staying put
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/12/2013) Tampa Bay reliever Joel Peralta may not end up pitching for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, reports the Tampa Bay Times Tuesday. The Rays would like to guard against Peralta overusing his arm too early in the season. "The way that I pitch here, it's probably not too smart to go there," Peralta said.
