AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: ASTROS VS RED SOX

October 16, 2021

Jose Urquidy

Minute Maid Park

Houston Astros

Pregame 2 Press Conference

Q. Jose, what does it mean to you to get this opportunity at such a critical time?

JOSÉ URQUIDY: It means a lot for me. I'm very excited for pitching Game 3 against Boston. It's an important series. I'm very excited for competing. I can't wait for that and win the game.

Q. Jose, after the plans were changed for the game in Chicago, how have you been staying ready physically and mentally?

JOSÉ URQUIDY: I had 15 days without throwing, but I'm trying to see videos about the other team. I'm throwing bullpens and live BPs, so I'm paying attention a lot against the hitters, and I'm very prepared, waiting for my next outing.

Q. You did really well against the Red Sox when you faced them earlier this season. I know that was a long time ago. Is that helpful at all, or since it was all the way back in May, have they changed too much where it doesn't really matter?

JOSÉ URQUIDY: It helps a lot for sure. I play against them, like, I remember three months ago. I went again six innings, just one run. I saw the game two days ago. I was watching the hitters, and I was watching how, what plan I have for them. I watched some videos about them.

Q. You've had some solid success, good success, in the postseason in the past. How much can that help you that you can draw upon that now that you're back in the middle of this again?

JOSÉ URQUIDY: I know the feeling. I know what it means to play in that kind of series. I have two years playing the division series, '19 and '20, and I know what's the feeling. I'm very excited for competing. I'm very happy to be here again.

Q. Going from A Ball to the World Series in 2019 and becoming the pitcher you are now, who do you sort of look back on and credit within the organization and outside of it for helping you along and making you the pitcher you are today?

JOSÉ URQUIDY: For sure all the staff of the organization. All of my baseball career is here in the Astros since 2015. I know all the staff. I know all the coaches. They talk to me all the time, and they know me a lot. They know what I'm doing bad and good things. For sure they help me a lot. And some players too, Like Maldonado, he helped me a lot how to compete with another team, and most of my teammates help me too.