Peralta’s comeback still a fluid story
MESA, Ariz. — Outfielder David Peralta quickly made an impression on the Cubs during spring training, even though he’ll begin the season in the minor leagues, continuing to build up his throwing program after offseason forearm surgery.
“He’s been in tougher spots than most of these guys have as players,” manager Craig Counsell said of the veteran Peralta, who saved his career by converting from a pitcher to an outfielder in independent ball. “So, it’s a great story of perseverance and not giving up on your dreams.”
Peralta is targeting April 8 to finish his throwing program. He’s scheduled to throw to bases from the outfield Thursday before eventually joining Triple-A Iowa. He was the Cubs’ designated hitter in six spring-training games, going 8-for-18 with three extra-base hits.
“We’re ahead of schedule, which is good,” Peralta told the Sun-Times. “We’re not trying to rush anything. . . . I feel great. I feel strong. Every day, I’m getting better and better.”
After signing a deal to be a nonroster invitee this offseason, he remained with the Cubs through his opt-out date. If he isn’t added to the roster in April, he has another opt-out date on May 1, according to sources.
“We have such a great group of guys here,” Peralta said. “They’re hungry to win. They were pretty close last year, and I think this year is the year for the Cubs. So that was one of the main reasons that I signed with this team, because I want to be part of that winning culture. And especially, we have a great coaching staff, great manager. So all this together is making this team special.”
Peralta shared the winding tale of his career with teammates as part of a series of clubhouse Q&As this spring.
“I knew a little bit of his story,” veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks said. “But just all the details and the passion that he talks about it with, the love for baseball — that guy just loves baseball. He’ll be in this as long as he can be. It brings more passion to yourself — motivation.”
“IT’S A GREAT STORY OF PERSEVERANCE AND NOT GIVING UP ON YOUR DREAMS.” CRAIG COUNSELL, on Peralta