91ST MLB ALL-STAR GAME

July 11, 2021

Riley Greene

Jeter Downs

Shane Baez

Coors Field

Futures Game Press Conference

NL - 8, AL - 3.

Q. Shane, obviously a quick inning, ten pitches, two strikeouts. Were you just feel the adrenaline?

SHANE BAEZ: It was not too bad. In warm ups, just trying to find the zone and get like a visual grasp. So, no, it was good, just trying to feel it up and make the inning as quick as possible.

Q. Was there a little bit extra, knowing that these are some of the best players in the minors on the other side?

SHANE BAEZ: Yeah, it's fun to see like how you do against them, certain pitches, where those pitches work. It's definitely like the competition is a little better.

Q. And, Jeter, two-run double. If you can take us through the last at-bat and how did that play out?

JETER DOWNS: I was trying to get a good pitch to hit and put a good swing on it. That's basically all I was trying to do there. Not trying to do too much.

Q. People talk about playing in this game, the thing that stands out is playing in big league ballpark for the first time. What was your biggest takeaway being part of this event.

RILEY GREENE: Just being here, being in this ballpark with these really good players, it's a really good opportunity, and it's kind of like once-in-a-lifetime.

But yeah, I mean, just being around like just like really coaching staff, really good players, can't ask for anything more.

JETER DOWNS: Yeah, I'll just piggyback off that, being around these guys and just watching them, you could also learn from them, as well. Stadium is sick; first time ever being here. That was a pretty cool experience, as well.

SHANE BAEZ: Yeah, it definitely set in whenever Ken Griffey, Jr. walked in the clubhouse and you're just talking shop with him. It's kind of surreal and goes by quick. And by the end of the day, everyone is talking to each other and you get to know each other. Yeah, it's very -- really fun.

Q. Riley, Tork was saying how tight you and he are before the game, and to not just enjoy this experience together but to be able to hit back-to-back and to be able to start that rally in the ninth together, did that make it more special for you guys?

RILEY GREENE: Yeah, me and Tork have grown pretty close over the years. When he got drafted, I was the one he texted just because I was a young guy, too. We've built a pretty good friendship there, and you know, being able to be teammates on the same AA team and then come here and hit right behind each other, it's pretty cool.

Q. Jeter, obviously you're close to Jon Jay. Did he offer any advice going into this year and going into this game, sort of playing against top competition?

JETER DOWNS: Yeah, Jon has been super helpful in my career so far in the mental side. We work out together in the off-season. We talk pretty much every week and we just talk shop about everything that's going on, and I'm really blessed to have him in my life.

Q. How much did missing the Minor League season last year set you back, and how long did it take to get to feel back to normal?

JETER DOWNS: It was definitely different. After going the whole year without playing, it honestly felt like my first ever full season starting up this year. Your body is not used to playing every single day again. You've got to get used to that.

It was just like getting all those little feels that as a baseball player that you have and stuff like that, so it's definitely been an adjustment so far and we are still working.

Q. How long did it take to feel normal?

JETER DOWNS: I don't have like a timetable for you. I still feel like I have a lot -- like a long way to go, if that answers your question.