The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second time in the National League Division Series after previous sweeping their NL West rival in 2017.
David Peralta is among the few players who have participated in both the 2017 and 2023 NLDS, and he has also been on each side of the matchup, previously playing for the D-Backs before joining the Dodgers last offseason.
While many players may have some added motivation of playing a former club, Peralta is just focused on winning regardless of the opponent.
“I don’t care who is over there, to be honest,” Peralta said. “I don’t care who is over there. The D-Backs or another team, we just have to play the game. And when we step in between the lines, I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Peralta had a rough NLDS against the Dodgers in 2017, going 0-for-9 in the first two games before recording a hit in the third and final game to finish 1-for-13 overall. Many of his teammates also struggled in that series while L.A. was firing on all cylinders.
“Losing against the Dodgers,” Peralta answered when asked what he recalls. “That’s what I remember in ’17 when we played against the Dodgers in the postseason. Now I’m on this side.”
Peralta is set to return to Chase Field when the Dodgers travel to Arizona for a Game 3 and potential Game 4, which could provide a positive reception for the veteran outfielder, who was a key member of the D-Backs for nine years of his career.
However, he isn’t necessarily expecting a major reception and just wants to focus on helping the Dodgers.
“Whatever they’re going to do,” Peralta said. “I am concentrating just to help the team. I’m not focused on what’s going to happen, how are they going to receive me over there and all this other stuff. I’m just going to take whatever they give to me and just move on. Just concentrate and help the team to win.”
David Peralta contributes in Game 1 loss
The Dodgers opened Game 1 of the NLDS with an 11-2 loss that saw nearly everything go wrong, but Peralta was among the few hitters who made somewhat of an impact.
The 36-year-old went 1-for-2 with a double, finishing with one of the Dodgers’ four hits and one of their two extra-base hits. Will Smith tripled for the only other extra-base hit of the game. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts both singled as well.
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