PHOENIX -- Last year, Wily Peralta was the Brewers' Opening Day starter. As pitchers and catchers reported Tuesday for the start of Spring Training, Peralta was preparing to fight for a job.
"There's always competition, every year," Peralta said. "You see six or seven guys for [five] spots. It's never easy. You have to come ready."
Peralta came ready to shed the memory of a dismal start to 2016, when an Opening Day loss to the Giants was a harbinger. Peralta owned a 6.68 ERA when he was demoted to the Minors on June 12, and didn't fare much better over 10 starts for Triple-A Colorado Springs.