Peralta returning to Rays for 2015

St. Petersburg, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Tampa Bay Rays have exercised a club option on the 2015 contract of pitcher Joel Peralta.

The 38-year-old right-hander was 3-4 with a save and a 4.41 ERA in 69 games last season, his fourth with the Rays. He allowed only two of his 24 inherited runners to score.

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

Since joining the Rays in 2011, Peralta leads all major league pitchers with 296 appearances and ranks second in holds with 115.

Peralta has also pitched for the Angels, Royals, Rockies and Nationals in a 10-year career. He owns a record of 16-33 with a 3.92 ERA and 12 saves in 556 career appearances, all out of the bullpen.

The Rays also reinstated pitcher Matt Moore to the 40-man roster and designated infielders Vince Belnome and Jerry Sands for assignment. Moore had been on the 60-day disabled list while recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in April.