AL DIVISION SERIES: TWINS VS ASTROS

October 7, 2023

Framber Valdez

Minute Maid Park

Houston Astros

Pregame 1 Press Conference

Q. Framber, how do you feel physically and mentally going into Game 2 of the ALDS?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: I feel good mentally. I feel good physically.

Q. How big is your matchup? It's going to be a matchup between Pablo Lopez and you, Framber Valdez? How big is that coming into this game?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: Big moment. It's going to be a good moment, and the only thing is just to stay focused and win.

Q. (Question in Spanish).

FRAMBER VALDEZ: Maybe that will be the jersey I use tomorrow. I always wear it. I pitch well with it, and I have usually good vibes with it, yes.

Q. This is a Twins lineup that you didn't face during the regular season. What do you make of it and how do you assess their lineup and offense?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: I'm just going to go out there and throw strikes, execute my pitches, and throw pitches in the zone.

Q. (Question in Spanish).

FRAMBER VALDEZ: It feels normal, not the first time facing him. Once we get to the field, it will be the matchup, hitter versus batter. But other than that, nothing changes.

Q. (Question in Spanish).

FRAMBER VALDEZ: I don't think it will be that hard. As long as we stay united, play hard, stay focused. Staying focused, thinking about the same things, and just staying focused on the field, I don't think it will be that difficult.

Q. This was a longer than normal break for you between outings. How did you keep yourself sharp between? Did you throw multiple bullpens? Do you feel like maybe the rest will help?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: I threw my bullpens. My bullpens and practiced my throwing, and my gym work.

Q. (Question in Spanish).

FRAMBER VALDEZ: It feels good to be in that position. Yeah, Dusty obviously puts his confidence in us, gives us confidence. For us, it's just to show that his confidence is not being misput in a different position and just try to do a good job when we go out there.

Q. Framber, going into these playoffs, you've had a full season to get acclimated to the pitch clock, and I'm just curious, with that kind of behind you, what did you think of the pitch clock at the beginning of the season, and what do you think of it now?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: No, I don't think the clock is an issue. I thought at the beginning that it was going to be, but really hasn't been an issue for me. I think it's more of an issue for the batters if anything, but for me, I feel fine.

Q. (Question in Spanish).

FRAMBER VALDEZ: I think everything is good. We can't really say just because you think that another team might be below you and take it easy. I would say you've just got to stay confident and stay focused.

The team that you expect it the least might be the team that might try to come out and try to beat you. But we've just got to attack, attack early on.