AL DIVISION SERIES: RANGERS VS ORIOLES

October 9, 2023

Gunnar Henderson

Globe Life Field

Baltimore Orioles

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. Gunnar, how much do you think the offense that we saw in Game 2 can carry over? Austin Hays was telling us he thinks it can be contagious and at this point would be opportune.

GUNNAR HENDERSON: Yeah. Definitely being down 7, we kept clawing back and it gave us confidence to prove to ourselves that we can compete with anybody, no matter how many runs we put up. That was a pretty good showing yesterday. Looking forward to continuing that.

Q. Gunnar, you've never been in this situation before. What are your thoughts on handling a difficult situation like this?

GUNNAR HENDERSON: Yeah. I mean, just going out there and continuing to play my game. Feel like you can get caught up in the situation and not allow yourself to go out there and just compete the way you normally have. I feel like being able to take a deep breath, assess the situation, and appreciate the opportunity that you've been blessed with.

Q. The pressure of the playoffs, it's there for every player. How have the Orioles handled it? Are there guys in the clubhouse trying to keep it loose or that's just kind of normally how it is for you guys?

GUNNAR HENDERSON: Like I keep reiterating, just go out and play our game. Been working for us all year. Go out there and try not to do anything more. Just go out there and play Baltimore baseball. I feel like if we continue to do that, it's going to work out for us.

Q. Gunnar, you guys have obviously been really good at flushing losses, moving on to the next game. For you personally, what does the process look like of doing that after a tough loss?

GUNNAR HENDERSON: Like you said, flush it and come in the next day with the right attitude and just go out there and continue to compete and allow yourself to be in the right position to hopefully win a game.

Q. Gunnar, Brandon announced that Dean's going to be your Game 3 starter. He's won a couple clinching games for you guys this year. What is your level of confidence in him, even though this is his first start in the playoffs?

GUNNAR HENDERSON: Yeah. I mean, all year he's been that guy that's helped guide us through those little swing starts that we needed him to come through. And being able to have him on the mound tomorrow is going to be great. I'm really looking forward to playing behind him.

Q. Gunnar, with Dean, I know he maybe gets lost when talking about those guys who were at the alt site in 2020. How have you seen him develop as a pitcher over the last few years?

GUNNAR HENDERSON: It's been really cool to watch him. He competes his butt off each and every outing. No matter if he doesn't have his stuff, he's going to go out there and work his butt off. It's been really cool to watch him. It's hats off to him because he's put in a lot of work and deserves every bit of it.