Rays place Joel Peralta on disabled list due to chikungunya virus

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Joel Peralta was sent back to Tampa to be tested for the chikungunya virus after being placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Joel Peralta was sent back to Tampa to be tested for the chikungunya virus after being placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. 

Peralta hasn't pitched since the All-Star break due to his illness, and believes he contracted the virus from a mosquito when he was home in the Dominican Republic during the break. Peralta's symptoms include a high fever, joint pain and a back rash.

Because of the unique nature of Peralta's illness, the Pinellas County Health Department has contacted manager Joe Maddon and his team in hopes of documenting the virus, according to the Tampa Tribune. More from the Tribune:

Rays head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield addressed the team Tuesday before batting practice to explain the virus.

“The players are concerned only because they are unaware,” Maddon said. “Apparently you have to be bit by this dreaded mosquito in order to get it. ... Obviously if we thought our players were in jeopardy we would have done something.”

Peralta has a 4.15 ERA in 43 appearances this season. Left-hander Jeff Beliveau​, who's recorded a 1.50 ERA at Triple-A Durham this season, was called up to replace Peralta on the roster.

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- Ben Estes