Starling Peralta is back with the Cubs after the Diamondbacks returned the Rule 5 pick to his original organization.
As a 21-year-old who spent last season pitching at low Single-A he was always a long shot to crack the Opening Day roster and then Peralta gave up seven run in three innings of spring training action.
All of which makes this February 21 article from the Diamondbacks’ official website titled “Peralta opening D-Backs’ eyes” sort of amusing:
When they selected Starling Peralta from the Cubs in the Rule 5 Draft in December, the D-backs knew they were getting a pretty good pitcher. After watching him throw a couple of live batting-practice sessions, the right-hander might be better than they thought.
And then after watching him throw in actual games, they decided to send him back to the Cubs. Such is life as a Rule 5 pick.