Freddy Peralta’s Likely Final Mets Start Leads to 8-3 Victory Over Dodgers

On July 26, 2026, the New York Mets faced the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta entered what both the team and the media described as his probable final start for New York before the trade deadline. Peralta delivered four innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits, walking two and striking out three. The outing raised his season line to a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA over 113 2/3 innings.

ESPNMets Salvage Game Against Dodgers In 8-3 Victory Mets come back to win against the Dodgers, avoid season sweep LA Times

The Mets overcame an early 2-1 deficit to win 8-3. After a lead-off double by A.J. Ewing and an RBI single from Francisco Lindor, the Dodgers seized a 2-1 lead in the third inning. The Mets tied the game in the fourth and took the lead in the sixth when Tyrone Taylor hit a three-run home run, followed by Marcus Semien’s three-run blast in the seventh. The Dodgers’ bullpen could not respond, and New York’s relievers—Cionel Pérez, Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams—combined for three scoreless innings to close out the win.

Mets Salvage Game Against Dodgers In 8-3 Victory Mets come back to win against the Dodgers, avoid season sweep LA TimesESPN

• Freddy Peralta: 4 innings, 3 runs (2 earned), 93 pitches, 6 hits, 2 walks, 3 K.

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• Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan: 5 innings, 2 runs, 5 K, 5 hits.

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• Mets bullpen: 5 scoreless innings; Pérez posted two strong frames in the fifth and sixth.

Mets Salvage Game Against Dodgers In 8-3 Victory

• Team records: Mets fell to 44-62, 18 games below .500; Dodgers improved to 67-39.

Mets Salvage Game Against Dodgers In 8-3 Victory

Taylor’s sixth-inning homer was his fifth since returning from the injured list on June 26, and his season slash line sits at .237/.281/.481 (.761 OPS) with eight home runs and 23 RBIs. Semien’s seventh-inning blast added insurance after the lead-changing shot. Bo Bichette contributed a 2-for-4 performance, the only Mets player with multiple hits.

Mets Salvage Game Against Dodgers In 8-3 Victory

Interim manager Andy Green noted that Taylor, an “elite defender,” would start a couple of games against the Atlanta Braves later in the week, positioning him as a trade candidate. Green also acknowledged the team’s need to showcase players before the trade deadline. The organization’s front office has not confirmed any pending moves for Peralta, but the pitcher himself recognized the business reality of the situation.

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• “We haven't done what we were expected to do, in general, especially when I speak about myself,” — Freddy Peralta

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• “It reminds me a little bit of the best version of myself,” — Freddy Peralta

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• “I understand the business part and I understand how it works,” — Freddy Peralta

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• “I thought we played really good baseball all road trip,” — Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Times)

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• “I think some of it was probably just me really trusting him,” — Dave Roberts, manager (Los Angeles Times)

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The Mets open a series against the Atlanta Braves on Monday, with Martín Pérez slated to start the first game. With the trade deadline approaching, New York is expected to evaluate its roster, including the status of Peralta and Taylor, before finalizing any moves.

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