Rays' Freddy Peralta struggles as Yankees close gap in AL East

As of August 25, the Tampa Bay Rays maintain the best record in the American League but face increasing pressure from the New York Yankees, who trail by 3.5 games. The Rays have not seen positive results from recent trades, particularly the addition of pitcher Freddy Peralta, who has a 7.17 ERA in four starts since joining the team. This comes after a difficult season with the New York Mets, where Peralta had a 4.99 ERA. The Yankees are poised to receive Aaron Judge back and welcome Max Fried as their pitching ranks strengthen. The competition in the AL East is tightening as the season progresses.

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