David Peralta was among the Los Angeles Dodgers who homered in a 13-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night that extended the team’s winning streak to a season-high four games.
Peralta gave the Dodgers a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the second after hitting a three-run blast off Taijuan Walker. The veteran outfielder finished his night with two hits in four at-bats and had a game-high four RBI.
Peralta drew a second consecutive start in left field with a right-hander on the mound and made the most of his opportunity. “It’s good if we’re all healthy. Just have to be ready to help the team when you get an opportunity,” he answered when asked if he feels an urgency to contribute when he in the lineup as the roster gets back to full strength.
“That’s what I told the manager and all the guys here. I’m just going to be ready for the opportunity. When the opportunity comes, just have to execute. No pressure. We all care about winning.”
Peralta spent parts of nine seasons as an everyday player with the Arizona Diamondbacks and now is adjusting to a bench role for the first time in his career. “I just have to be ready. Just work every day and wait for the opportunity and do what I can do. Not try to do too much,” Peralta said.
Prior to his big game against the Phillies, Peralta had been mired in a 1-for-24 slump. He is batting just .186/.216/.286 with three extra-base hits and 14 RBI in 26 games this season
“I’ve been working really hard every day to get back to my strengths. Hard work is paying off right now, and it’s good to see results,” Peralta said.
“Sometimes you get a little desperate to see results. It’s not easy and it’s a hard game, so you’ve got to be patient and trust the process. Hard work is paying off right now.”
David Peralta no longer limited by back injury
Peralta appeared in 134 games between the Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays last season, but was plagued by a herniated disc in his back that he had surgically repaired during the offseason.
Peralta believes he has moved past the injury, which was evident by his home run off Walker that traveled 401 feet and had an exit velocity of 103.1 mph.
“I’m feeling healthy, feeling good, which is really important. My back is 100%, and it’s showing,” Peralta said.
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