Which 2026 deadline candidate struck out 13 batters in his Brewers debut on May 13, 2018? Freddy Peralta did.
Peralta made his Milwaukee Brewers debut on May 13, 2018, against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field and struck out 13 batters. He shut out Colorado in his first major league appearance, setting a Brewers franchise record for strikeouts by a first-time starter.
The performance was remarkable because Coors Field is known for its altitude and hitter-friendly conditions. Peralta had begun the season with Milwaukee’s Triple-A affiliate, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, before the Brewers called him up for his major league opportunity. His debut immediately established him as one of the organization’s most intriguing young pitchers.
Peralta remained with Milwaukee and became a key member of the rotation. His arsenal centers on a high-velocity fastball and a sharp breaking pitch, a combination that has produced substantial strikeout totals. The 13-strikeout debut is still the signature early milestone most associated with his arrival in the majors.