Sometimes in baseball, a player's breakout moment comes at the expense of the team that once believed in him. That was the story this week, as former New York Yankees prospect Oswald Peraza returned to haunt his old club, playing a pivotal role for the Los Angeles Angels.

Peraza capped a strong series by powering the Angels to an 11-4 victory in Thursday's finale, helping his new team split the four-game set. While teammate Mike Trout's five-homer series will dominate the highlights, Peraza's performance was a gut-punch reminder of his potential.

The infielder delivered the crucial blows, launching a two-run homer in the first inning and later adding a game-tying double in the sixth that sparked a decisive four-run rally. Over the series, he was a constant thorn in the Yankees' side, going 5-for-10 with two homers and four RBI while showcasing his trademark defensive skill at third base.

For Yankees manager Aaron Boone, it was a bittersweet sight. "He looked like what we were excited about several years ago," Boone admitted after the game. "He's super talented, always has been... Clearly, in as good a place as he's been in a few years. And he absolutely hurt us in this series."

This hot streak marks a dramatic turnaround for Peraza. After struggling offensively last season, he's found his rhythm in 2024, already matching his power output from a much longer 2023 campaign. Over his last seven games, he's been one of the hottest hitters in baseball, slashing an impressive .368/.478/.947.

For Peraza, the series was simply business. "A lot of good memories here," he said beforehand. "It's business, it's baseball. Now I'm with the Angels and enjoy every day." His enjoyment is now the Yankees' problem, as a once-promising prospect has emerged as a legitimate threat in the heart of a rival lineup.