AL DIVISION SERIES: TWINS VS ASTROS

October 8, 2023

Max Kepler

Jorge Polanco

Minute Maid Park

Minnesota Twins

Pregame 2 Press Conference

Q. You said after the clinch this team has the pitching, it feels different. How different does it feel to be able to turn to Pablo and Sonny to right the ship series after series?

MAX KEPLER: I'd say it's relieving. We've leaned on them pretty much all season. I think he's going to come out and give us all he's got, a good performance. We're going to back him, the defense we have all season, and put some balls in play.

Q. You guys have been through so many of the postseason losses. Was it difficult at all after finally winning one and celebrating that, was it difficult at all to turn around and focus now on the next step?

MAX KEPLER: No. You know me, I'm usually in the present all the time. So everything that's happened in the past is behind me. I think everyone in the clubhouse is kind of on the same note. You've got to stay in the present in this game. Otherwise, you're not going to get very far.

You have to be a professional, and you've got to turn the page ASAP. I think we're focused on the task at hand. That's the goal.

JORGE POLANCO: Yeah, like Kep said, I know it was a long time for us to get a W. We finally did. But after that, we've got to be in the present.

It was good to get the first one out of the way and get back to the real. Now we focus on today.

Q. For both of you, the team as a whole in the postseason, 2 for 22 with runners in scoring position, but you guys aren't getting a lot of guys on base. How do you just feel about the overall offense in the postseason so far?

MAX KEPLER: Once again, I'm here today. I forgot what happened yesterday. Regardless win or lose, that's me.

But I believe in this lineup throughout the whole year, regardless of what's been going on. I think I heard a stat that we finished second in the offensive stats towards the end of the season. So I believe in this team more than I ever have without or with knowing that stat. So I think we're in a good place.

We've just got to stay within our element and lean on each other, communicate what's going on throughout the game, communicate how the pitchers are working us, and trust in one another.

Q. Both of you guys, you guys have played in a lot of those April games at Target Field. I think it's going to be 50 or something like that for first pitch on Tuesday. What kind of challenges do you think it will present for a team like the Astros that might not be as used to that?

MAX KEPLER: I wish it was maybe in the sub-50s, but I like playing in that weather. I think Polo has adjusted to it too now, and everyone on the team enjoys coming back to cooler weather. It's refreshing. Getting outside a dome is nice. Playing outdoors is always, I think, where we want to be.

JORGE POLANCO: What was the question again?

Q. Playing in the cold for Houston.

JORGE POLANCO: For Houston, you said? We love to play in the cold. It's going to be maybe a little different for them. They also play in the cold too, so it's going to be the same for both teams. It's going to be challenging, but I know we're going to be ready for it.

Q. How much energy has Royce brought to the dugout, to the clubhouse since he arrived?

MAX KEPLER: A lot. A whole lot. Even when he's not in the game, he's on the sidelines. He's almost comparable to Nicky G., who is always waving the towel and bringing energy to the clubhouse or the field, whether they're in the game or not. They're great team players, good clubhouse guys, good personalities to have around.

Yeah, fun to watch. They have remarkable talent, Royce especially. I mean, everyone in the clubhouse is, I think, vibing off him right now. We couldn't have done it or gotten this far without him, I'd say.

JORGE POLANCO: I agree. He's a great guy, great teammate. He brings a lot of energy to the clubhouse. He keeps us in the right mood every time. He's always having fun. We couldn't be here without him.

Q. Jorge, speaking of Royce, have you had any indication of how long you'll be playing third base and when Royce will be able to come back on the field?

JORGE POLANCO: I haven't heard anything yet. I'm playing third base right now. That's all I know. I haven't heard anything from Rocco or the trainers or even Royce.

So I'm going to be ready to play third base until he gets back.

Q. For both of you, given how long you guys have been with this organization, how important did the results of this year feel just in general to make it this far into the playoffs and to just come through with this group of guys after so many years?

MAX KEPLER: It's special to do it, especially with this guy next to me, who was my very first roommate in pro ball. To have gotten this far, to have started with so many guys that were gifted and talented that have either gone to other teams or aren't playing anymore.

But, yeah, as a whole, as a collective unit, it's special to have the balance we have of veterans and rookies is, I think, the best I've experienced in my career, and everyone is really gelling as a unit, which is great and very necessary when it comes to this time and this year in postseason.

Yeah, like I said, it's very special to be here with you, bro, at this point. I think it's been over 10 years now, almost 12, 13 years together.

JORGE POLANCO: Same, bro, same.

MAX KEPLER: I'm proud of this guy.