New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- The Tampa Bay Rays have added veteran right-hander Freddy Peralta to their pitching staff in a trade with the New York Mets. The deal sends three minor league players to New York and gives the first-place Rays another experienced arm as they battle for the American League East title.

Peralta arrives in Tampa Bay to join a rotation that already features Drew Rasmussen, Shane McClanahan and Nick Martinez. The group ranks among the strongest in the American League, and the Rays hope the new addition helps them stay ahead of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in a tight division race.

In exchange for Freddy Peralta, the New York Mets receive outfielder Aidan Smith, infielder Emilien Pitre and right-hander Gary Gill...