Dodgers News: David Peralta Addresses Facing His Old Team in the Playoffs
The Dodgers have plenty of history with the first opponent of their 2023 playoff run on both an individual and team level.
Outfielder David Peralta faces off against his old club Arizona with his new one in Dodger Blue but indicated that personal feelings wouldn’t get in the way of LA’s ultimate goals.
“I don’t care who is over there, to be honest. 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 onto the line, I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win. I think we have to win each game, just try not to do too much. These guys right here have a lot of experience going into the postseason. I think my last time was a little bit last year with Tampa Bay and the other one was ’17 with the D-Backs. We just have to do the same thing, the same thing we’ve been doing during the season. I know the energy is going to be crazy, postseason. That’s what we’re looking for. But I think just control the game, do what I can do to help the team to win.””
via David Peralta, pregame
Peralta spent parts of nine seasons in Arizona as a veteran leader, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner for the NL West contender.
Arizona’s last time in the postseason came with Peralta on the roster back in 2017 where the team also faced off against the Dodgers.
LA prevailed against their divisional foe in a sweep six years ago but both rosters look significantly different than they once did at the time.
The Diamondbacks still boast some veteran leaders like Christian Walker and Evan Longoria, but a youth movement in the desert propelled the upstart Snakes into their inspired playoff run.
Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno and Geraldo Perdomo all played significant roles to replace the old faces from Arizona’s previous playoff roster such as Peralta.
Now 36 years old, Peralta’s role with the Dodgers in reduced fashion still played a significant role for clubhouse chemistry on the 2023 LA roster.
Miguel Rojas, Jason Heyward and Peralta’s contributions to the locker room equally share credit for the successful season LA had despite many considering 2023 a transition year for the team.
Peralta’s mentality is a valuable one knowing how last year’s Dodger postseason ended at the hands of a divisional foe.
Dave Roberts’ veterans know that the team can’t take their opponents lightly like they did in 2022.
Peralta’s quotes line up with such a mentality and Chavez Ravine hopes such momentum carries over en route to another ring.
Photo Credit: Rob Schumacher, Arizona Republic
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