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In otherwise forgettable season, rookies shine for Diamondbacks

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014
By Morgan Chan
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – With injury woes and a subpar record, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ season is nearing a forgettable ending. However, certain players’ successes and talents are being recognized, especially among the rookies.< br/>

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Chase Anderson and outfielder David Peralta have both shined as midseason roster additions. MLB.com has cited Peralta as a worthy Rookie of the Year candidate.

Both talked about their seasons Tuesday after visiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Since his promotion from Double-A Mobile in June, Peralta has impressed again and again in the outfield and at the plate. As of Monday, he was batting .287 with a .781 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) after hitting .327 in his first 37 games.

Peralta said it’s humbling to be mentioned as a possible Rookie of the Year but that consistency is his primary goal.

“If it happens, that’s going to be great for me. If it’s not, I’m still going to be proud of myself,” Peralta said. “I’m just going to keep playing my game hard like I always do.”

The 27-year-old has been through a lot on his journey to the major leagues. Originally a pitcher, Peralta has come into his own in the Diamondbacks’ outfield and said he couldn’t be happier. listen

“I played two-and-a-half years of independent ball and nobody knew about me,” Peralta said.

Anderson, 7-6 as of Monday, started the season in Double-A Mobile and turned heads by winning his first five starts after being called up in May.

Drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2009, Anderson said getting the opportunity to play has been fulfilling.

“Just to get the big-league call-up from the team that actually put their faith in you out of college, drafted you and took a chance on you … it was the best day of my life so far, besides getting married,” he said. listen

Anderson said he was humbled to reach the majors, let alone enjoy success.

“It’s a blessing, to say the least,” the 26-year-old said. “I just try to focus on helping the team out and winning games. The other things are going to take care of themselves.”