NL WILD CARD SERIES: MARLINS VS PHILLIES

October 4, 2023

Tanner Scott

Citizens Bank Park

Miami Marlins

Pregame Press Conference

Q. Just wanted to ask, what's the vibe in the clubhouse? What's the vibe with the group right now knowing basically at this point it's do or die? How are you guys feeling?

TANNER SCOTT: We're still feeling good. It's another game. We can do it.

Q. The fact that you guys were in a situation like this before, having to come from behind, having to find ways to rally, just how much of situations throughout the regular season to get here, how much do you think it helps you prepare for situations like this?

TANNER SCOTT: It definitely helps you prepare. We've done it quite a few times this year. We don't ever doubt ourselves, so that's a big thing.

Q. How much has it meant to you to have the trust from Skip and Kim to be the closer and to be out there every day as the guy in the most high leverage situations? And how much has that trust meant to you just personally and in the context of the team and everything around the game?

TANNER SCOTT: It means a lot, but I try not to think of it. I just try to go out there -- I mean, whenever the phone rings, if it's my name, if it's sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth inning, I just want the ball. I just want to be able to get our team back in the dugout or off the field with a win.

Q. Tanner, we spoke to Mel last week. I think he touched upon a delivery tweak maybe that you guys had worked on for however long that maybe helped you be more consistent in the strike zone. Can you talk about the process of how you were able to find that and what in particular has helped you, that made it click maybe?

TANNER SCOTT: I don't even know if it's really just one thing. I think it's maybe a mindset. Maybe there were a couple things we worked on in spring and kept working on. Once it clicked, it's easier to bounce back to and go back to what's feeling good.

I mean, it's been working, so I'm going to keep running with it.

Q. I guess we haven't asked you, but just to win Reliever of the Month, how does that feel? Especially considering you're a new dad, everything that's been going on for you.

TANNER SCOTT: It's cool. I mean, I'm a new dad, so that's awesome. But that was last month, and we've got to keep going.

Q. Tanner, since the trade the most you've gotten is two innings out of the bullpen. I'm curious, if asked to, would you be able to go even more than that?

TANNER SCOTT: Oh, yeah, whatever the team needs, I'm open for anything. I want to keep this going, so one, two, three -- hopefully not more than three, but whatever.

Q. Tanner, just with Mel in particular, just how much has he helped you over the last two years? And where has -- obviously he helped you with delivery and all that. But what is it about Mel that was able to help you maximize your potential and just what he's been able to do with this pitching staff?

TANNER SCOTT: He just wants to make everyone better. He makes everyone work harder and definitely tries to get us in the strike zone. Your stuff plays more in the strike zone. For me, my first pitch strikes have changed this year, and it's a big thing he talks about. All the guys have been great this year, and he's one of the leading causes.