AL DIVISION SERIES: TWINS VS ASTROS

October 10, 2023

Yainer Diaz

Target Field

Houston Astros

Pregame 3 Press Conference

Q. Yainer, how do you feel about getting your first playoff action? And how much did being on the taxi squad and being around the playoff team last year prepare you for this?

YAINER DIAZ: Very excited. Last year I was part of the taxi squad, so I got the experience through there, and I told myself next year I want to be a part of it as well, but I want to be a part of it by playing. So I'm very excited for this.

Q. You haven't had much playing time the last two weeks or so. How difficult has that been? How have you been trying to keep sharp when you're not facing live pitching on the field?

YAINER DIAZ: That's something I've been dealing with most of the season. Like I said in the past, I just continue doing my normal routine to be able to stay prepared. I think in the past I've gotten to the plate and I've felt fine. I think today is not going to be any different. I think I'm going to get to the plate, feel 100 percent ready to go and just feel ready.

Q. I'm not asking you to second guess lineup decisions by any means, but there's a movement for Astros fans to get you in the lineup almost every day, and they love seeing you in the lineup. Wondering how much you see of that and what it means to you to know you have the support?

YAINER DIAZ: I really haven't seen many of that. For me, I'm always respecting the decision of the manager, whoever is in charge of making the lineups. For my part, it doesn't really change. I just need to stay prepared, stay ready to go for whenever I do get that card, get that opportunity, and just give it my all. So it really doesn't affect me that much.

Q. You mentioned having stretches earlier in the season where maybe playing time is a little more sporadic. What was the most important thing you learned or did as far as a routine, whether it was a drill or something, just to make sure that you were staying sharp hitting-wise?

YAINER DIAZ: I think there's the routine with the machine, just keeping my hands ready to go, staying on time for that. I set the machine at almost game speed, that velocity, just so I can stay prepared when I come in and catch guys that throw with a lot of velocity.

Q. When did you find out that you were going to start this game today? Who was the first person that you called after you got the news to share it with them?

YAINER DIAZ: I called my parents. They're in Houston right now. They're always asking me, are you going to play tomorrow? But as soon as I found out yesterday, I gave them a call.

Q. Your offensive numbers are much better as a catcher than a designated hitter this year. Is there anything to that, or is it a coincidence?

YAINER DIAZ: I would say coincidence. I can't even explain to myself why things like that happen.