AL DIVISION SERIES: GUARDIANS VS YANKEES

October 15, 2022

Matt Carpenter

Progressive Field

New York Yankees

Pregame 3 Press Conference

Q. Could you take us through that at-bat you had last night and just how did it feeling back?

MATT CARPENTER: Yeah. It certainly felt good to be back out there. Would have preferred a different result. But physically I felt good, felt like I was seeing the ball well. Faced a really good pitcher who made some good pitches and was able to, you know, put an end to that rally we had going and get out of there.

As far as how I felt and physically where I was, I felt good. I felt ready. I felt prepared. Just wasn't able to come through. Hope to get another chance.

Q. How realistic is the outfield for you?

MATT CARPENTER: That's a good question. You know, I'm getting reps out there. I'm making myself available. As far as, you know, if our club feels comfortable with it is, you know, another story.

But doing my best to make myself available.

Q. Matt, sometimes people will say you can't simulate game activity. You were off for more than two months. I guess you can. Wandy and Clay also have the same situation, similar situation. What part of your getting ready without playing games was most helpful to you?

MATT CARPENTER: I think that the mental at-bats that you can take, I think, can prepare you almost as much as the actual physical at-bats. What I mean by that is staying engaged into the game throughout the whole process, the rehab process, which is one thing I felt like I did a really good job of.

I think part of why it takes so long to kind of get in the swing of things at the start of a season or the start of spring training is because you're so far removed from a competitive environment.

While I was hurt, I was still in the dugout. While I was hurt, I was still living and dieing with every pitch, putting myself in the positions in the game that potentially would have been the one that I'd be in if I was healthy, and trying to stay as mentally sharp as I could so that when -- now, when I get an opportunity, I'm as close to ready to go as possible.

And then, you know, I mean, I got about 20 at-bats. Obviously, they weren't -- they're more simulated game style, but that's roughly close to what you would get in spring training anyway. So I'm not here to make excuses. I feel like I'm in a position where I can have a competitive at-bat when my name is called.

Q. Matt, there's a number of guys in the Yankees clubhouse who are playing in the postseason for the first time this year. How much would you kind of describe the atmosphere that you guys, the veterans who have been there and done that before, try to foster to allow those guys to find success?

MATT CARPENTER: That's a good question. We've tried to do a good job of having dialog of what it means to play in a postseason game; what it feels like to be in the box in a big spot, what it feels like to be on the field with the crowd on its feet. We've had good conversations with our younger players who are going through that for the first time. It's certainly beneficial, I think.

Like you mentioned, just the fact that we have so many guys who have been through it, I think, is a good thing. Can certainly be an advantage for us. Especially being here on the road today, I know the crowd will be on their feet. They'll certainly try to have an impact on the game and so our guys are ready for it.

Q. Matt, I think you broke your foot on August 8th, which didn't leave you a whole lot of time to get ready and come back for this. Was there ever a time where you doubted if you could come back, if you'd have enough time?

MATT CARPENTER: I wouldn't let myself go there. I knew that just from what the doctors were telling me, the timing was going to be close. But my mindset from the onset was that I was going to be back, however possible, in whatever role possible.

So very thankful that we were able to make that happen, and now it's just about being ready when I get an opportunity and hopefully, do something to help us win a game.

Q. And what was the toughest part of the rehab for you?

MATT CARPENTER: By far, just not being with the guys. I missed out on a lot of cool things. Not helping us win ball games, not being around. It's definitely the worst part.

Q. Matt, are you still feeling any pain or discomfort in the foot?

MATT CARPENTER: No, I feel good. You know, I mean, just yesterday was a big step, just getting out there and getting back into the game feeling.

I mean, I was expecting to feel good, but you just never know until you get out there. I mean, it's different than simulating games. But was in the moment, felt prepared for the at-bat, took some good swings, batted off some tough pitches, physically felt good. Just he won that first battle.

Q. Matt, could you take us inside the clubhouse right now? What's the feeling amongst the team, tied at 1 apiece, heading into Game 3 on the road?

MATT CARPENTER: We feel confident. We would have loved to win both games at home in front of the Yankee fans. Weren't able to do that. We have a group of resilient guys that are really good at turning the page and getting ready for what today has in store are us.

We know we've got a really good team. We know they've got a really good team. We know we're on the road playing in front of a crowd that I assume is going to be loud and hostile.

But, you know, Sevey is going to give us a chance to win tonight. We expect to go out there and have good at-bats and expect to fight and we're confident and have a good game plan.

Q. Matt, I know you have a bigger focus, but have you given any thought to next year, whether you'd like to be back here or just how different your off-season might be?

MATT CARPENTER: I haven't thought about it. Not to sound cliché, it's just the reality. My focus is the present moment, today, and our season and what we're trying to accomplish, which is win a World Series. That starts with winning the game tonight and, in particular, with me being ready to come off the bench and potentially take a big at-bat.