SAN DIEGO -- David Peralta said he was speaking to his fellow D-backs outfielders when TV cameras caught him in the dugout during Wednesday's loss to the Brewers after a routine popup fell between second baseman Josh VanMeter and right fielder Josh Reddick.
"Hey, this is not us, we need to do a better job, including myself, the way things were going in that game," Peralta said of his message. "The cameras probably got me because I never got -- not upset, but the way I was talking to them, I was trying to spark the defense. I was saying, 'Hey this is not us, the guy on the mound [Caleb Smith] is doing a great job. We need to get better, we need to do better. Stuff like that, we can lose games.' I was just talking more with the outfielders, because I would say that’s more my area."
After the game, first baseman Christian Walker said that while he was not a part of the discussion, teammates look to Peralta for leadership. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo added that he has asked Peralta to be more of a vocal leader when the situation calls for it.
"I’m pretty sure they took it the right way," Peralta said of his teammates. "I never disrespect anyone. I wasn’t pointing to anyone, not your fault, no nothing. It’s a team effort. We have to do better, including myself. Things happen during the game, miscommunication, but I felt it was the right time to say, 'Hey, we’ve got to keep this thing together.'"
Rally the Valley
The D-backs' theme for their flight to San Diego on Thursday was related to the NBA's Phoenix Suns, who are currently playing the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals.
Arizona's players and coaches dressed in Suns jerseys and T-shirts on the trip.
"We pay a lot of attention [to them]," Peralta said. "Basically, it’s part of the Arizona family. They’re doing really good, we really support them. We're proud of what they're doing. We believe they’re going to [win the championship]. It would mean a lot to everyone. Excited they’re going to do it. Let’s go Suns!"