Rays exercise 2015 club option on Peralta

6/22/14: Joel Peralta earns his first save of the season, getting Dexter Fowler to fly out to deep right for the final out

Since joining Tampa Bay in 2011, Peralta leads all Major League pitchers with 296 appearances and ranks second in the Majors with 115 holds, behind Tyler Clippard (124) of the Nationals. Peralta owns the franchise career records in both categories.

"Joel has accomplished a lot in a Rays uniform, and we are excited to welcome him back for a fifth season," said vice president of baseball operations Erik Neander. "He's a fiery competitor, a model teammate and a leader in the clubhouse."

Peralta, 38, ranked second on the Rays' staff with 69 appearances in 2014, despite the first DL stint (July 13-27, illness) of his 10-year Major League career. He finished the campaign at 3-4 with a 4.41 ERA and one save.

Peralta allowed only two of his 24 inherited runners to score, and he limited opponents to 0-for-25 with two outs and runners in scoring position.

Having Peralta back in 2015 will add a veteran presence to what could be a young bullpen. Other than Grant Balfour, who will turn 37 in December, Tampa Bay's bullpen will be composed primarily of players under the age of 30, led by Jake McGee and Brad Boxberger.

In addition to performing well for the Rays, Peralta has served as a leader on the team, particularly among the Latin American players.

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Rays exercise 2015 club option on Peralta