Dodgers News: Jose Peraza Reflects On Debut; First Career Hit
Although the Los Angeles Dodgers did lose the opener against the Washington Nationals on Monday, the team got to experience the debut of a young prospect they acquired at the trade deadline.
Jose Peraza, who was a part of the three-team, 13-player trade, was called up on Monday after Howie Kendrick was placed on the disabled list. The 21-year-old started at second, where he spent the majority of the past few seasons working on in the Minor Leagues.
The Venezuelan product went 1-for-4, with a triple. The triple occurred on a flare to right field that Bryce Harper mistimed, causing him to dive late. When asked about the play, Peraza stated, “You know what? At first I thought he was actually going to get the ball, but when I saw he didn’t I kept running and running and got the triple.”
When asked if he felt any butterflies, he responded, “Yeah in the first inning. A little bit.” Although Peraza was forced into a situation with teammates he did not have chemistry with, he attempted to play to the best of his abilities and was focused on making an impact.
After the game, Peraza was also asked about his chances here with the Dodgers. Instead of trying to make a case for himself, the coveted prospect remained. “I didn’t really take it into account very much,” Peraza said. “Like anything, I just wanted to do a good job and am just thankful the Dodgers gave me an opportunity here.”
During the brief stint that Peraza has participated in with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, he left an impression of what he could bring in the future. In 10 games played, he is batting .385, with a .415 on-base percentage. Through August 10, he is 15-for-42, with six runs scored, four RBIs, and five extra-base hits.
Peraza has mainly seen time at three positions during his stay with the OKC Dodgers. He has played shortstop, second base, and center field, which is quite similar to another utility player the Dodgers have, Kiké Hernandez. The two players are expected to fill the void the Dodgers have with the current injuries to Howie Kendrick and Justin Turner, as well as give players like Joc Pederson a day off.
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With a plus hit tool, and a plus fielding tool, and plus plus speed, scouts say a good feel for the game, and just turned 21 with already 200 minor league steals…. seems like this kid has quite a promising future. Looking forward to getting to see him play. Maybe next year we have a new double play combination, two 21 year olds.
I agree with you, Peraza looks very reliable at second. He can fly around the bases and although he doesn’t have an abundance of power, he can still bat around .300 because of his speed. I’m very excited to see what he can do when he plays every day.