Freddy Peralta, a right-handed pitcher now in his eighth Major League season with the Milwaukee Brewers, debuted in 2018 as a starter before spending two seasons in the bullpen. During his time in relief, he faced difficulties due to a limited pitch selection. However, after returning to the rotation, Peralta expanded his pitching arsenal beyond a dominant fastball by incorporating a slider and significantly improving his changeup and curveball, which has made him a more versatile and effective starter.
His breakout came in 2021, when he completed a full season in the rotation and delivered a stellar 2.81 ERA along with 195 strikeouts over 144 innings. Through the first 19 starts of the 2025 season, Peralta has recorded ten wins—the highest in the National League—and posted a career-best ERA of 2.74.
Performance Highlights Against the Dodgers and Handling Ohtani
On Monday, Peralta showcased his pitching mastery in the series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching six scoreless innings and recording seven strikeouts against one of baseball’s most potent offenses. Following this 9–1 victory, Peralta spoke openly about the specific challenge of facing Shohei Ohtani, who batted leadoff for the Dodgers.
I’m not going to lie, I was thinking about how I was going to handle this lineup having Ohtani leading off. It’s not easy having a leadoff guy like him. I was just competing out there.
—Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher
This comment highlights the intense focus Peralta applied to the unique challenge posed by Ohtani, a batter known for his combination of power and speed, especially in the leadoff spot.
Peralta’s Role in the Brewers’ 2025 Season
At 29 years old, Freddy Peralta has solidified his status as the Brewers’ ace this year. Recently named to the All-Star team for the second time—his first selection coming during his 2021 breakthrough—he has been instrumental in leading Milwaukee to a 51–40 record. The team currently holds sole possession of the second wild-card spot in the National League, a testament to the impact of his pitching performances this season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. Since at least 1901, only he and Ohtani have achieved this as members of the Dodgers. While Ohtani is known for entering the 50-50 club first, he had already set himself apart with 43 home runs and 43 stolen bases before reaching 50. To put this achievement into perspective: his 51 home runs are the highest ever in a season with 50 stolen bases in MLB history.
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani in the 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani hit a home run and joined the 50-50 club. In one game, he hit three home runs and stole two bases. This might be the best single-game performance ever, given the situation and importance.
Q. Does Shohei Ohtani have a 50/50?
A. Ohtani hit his tenth home run of the season with a strong swing. He has also stolen ten bases this year. This achievement happens a year after he formed the 50-50 club, and he has reached the 10-10 mark sooner this season. In the first 34 games of 2024, the Dodgers’ designated hitter had just eight home runs and seven stolen bases.