Rays exercise 2015 option for Peralta

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-The Tampa Bay Rays have exercised their 2015 club option for right-handed relief pitcher Joel Peralta.

Since joining the Rays in 2011, Peralta leads all major league pitchers with 296 appearances and ranks second in the majors with 115 holds, behind Tyler Clippard (124) of the Washington Nationals. He owns the Rays career records in both categories.

"Joel has accomplished a lot in a Rays uniform, and we are excited to welcome him back for a fifth season," said Vice President, Baseball Operations Erik Neander. "He's a fiery competitor, a model teammate and a leader in the clubhouse."

Peralta, 38, ranked second on the Rays staff with 69 appearances in 2014, despite the first DL stint (July 13-27, illness) of his 10-year major league career. He finished the campaign with a 3-4 record, one save, 4.41 ERA (63.1-IP, 31-ER), 74 strikeouts and 15 walks. Peralta allowed only two of his 24 inherited runners to score, and limited opponents to 0-for-25 with two outs and runners in scoring position.

In addition, the Rays reinstated left-handed pitcher Matt Moore (Tommy John surgery) from the 60-day disabled list and designated for assignment infielder Vince Belnome to make room on the 40-man roster. Infielder/outfielder Jerry Sands (left wrist surgery) was also reinstated from the 60-day DL and subsequently designated for assignment.