AL DIVISION SERIES: TWINS VS ASTROS

October 11, 2023

Jose Abreu

Jose Urquidy

Target Field

Houston Astros

Postgame 4 Press Conference

Astros - 3, Twins - 2

Q. Jose, when people are talking about you underperforming, does that type of talk fuel you, or how does that affect you emotionally?

JOSE ABREU: Those are things I can't control. I can't control what other people say or think, but I'm not going to change who I am.

Q. Jose Abreu, did you have to tune out that noise kind of early in the season when you were in your homerless streak and you're still trying to get it going with Houston?

JOSE ABREU: The most important thing is that I have family that supports me. I have two kids that love me. My mom has always been there, my wife, which God bless. Obviously I had an organization that's always been there for me, and my teammates, independently of the moment, have always supported me. So what else can I ask for?

Q. For Urquidy, your role in your career in the postseason has varied so much. How do you prepare for really not knowing every year how you're going to be used and even week by week, series by series?

JOSE URQUIDY: That's a hard position, being in that position for sure, but I've got to prepare my mind. I've got to be ready for any situation. I know this is what's kind of hard when I'm more high in my career.

I know we're going to be at this point in the series, and I was waiting for that chance. They got me the chance, and I did my best for supporting the team, throwing the ball well for being in the series.

Q. For both of you, you've seen what this team is capable of, seven straight -- advancing to seven straight ALCSs is pretty impressive. The regular season was maybe a little more challenging than in previous years. Do you think working through that has made you a stronger team at this point?

JOSE ABREU: I think in life we need to understand it's a different year. Life will put some challenges out there for you and make it difficult for you, but this group of guys, they're all warriors. When they're warriors, there's nothing to worry about.

Q. For Urquidy, Dusty described you as a big game pitcher. What makes you so good under pressure?

JOSE URQUIDY: Yeah, in that kind of situation, I think I have big hunger there. Obviously my focus and my plan to prepare has to be very clear, and I have to put all my mind on it.

I feel very comfortable being here with this team, pitching there, creating a good plan of attack with my catcher. I know I've got good offense and defense behind me, and that makes me feel a lot of confidence.

I think that's why in those kinds of moments, I know I've got to compete and throw the ball well through the zone and put hitters away.