NL DIVISION SERIES: DIAMONDBACKS VS DODGERS

October 11, 2023

Corbin Carroll

Christian Walker

Chase Field

Arizona Diamondbacks

Postgame 3 Press Conference

Diamondbacks - 4, Dodgers - 2

Q. Christian, you are one of the longest serving players on this team now. You were in '19 when you barely missed the playoffs. Then went through the big trough in 2021, and back to where you are now. Could you describe what it was like to be on the team through that whole journey and all that?

CHRISTIAN WALKER: It's an interesting dynamic. In the moments, it's heavy. You're waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. But day to day it's hard to see it. It's a fine line of, like, you're not feeling bad for yourself, but you're still trying to win.

It's, like, it's a funny thing of you're aware of what's happening, but also you're trying to change things and you're trying to change the culture and show up with a different standard.

Those years were tough, whatever. But this year has felt like something completely different. We got a taste of all these really good players, last year, a taste. To see them come in and all assume roles, guys like Corbin to just accept that putting the team on his back is going to be a part of our success.

And he's not the only one. There's a handful of guys that are in a similar role. Just really proud of the group. A lot of the guys weren't around for then.

So it's almost like it doesn't matter. It's this is now and this is what's happening. And we're doing our best just to stay in the moment.

Q. Corbin, you guys are obviously playing your best baseball here. Did you have any sense this was coming? Why do you think it's suddenly clicked for you guys?

CORBIN CARROLL: I don't know. I don't even know if it's worth trying to explain. I think it's just one of those magical things about baseball.

We talked about it all year. I think a lot of people will say it, all you've got to do is get in. We got in and just some truly magical things have happened so far.

Q. Christian, I've seen you make a lot of scoops, but that one stretch, I don't think I quite have seen you stretch out that much before. How did that feel?

CHRISTIAN WALKER: Great. Great once I saw the ball in my glove. Just happy to be there. I try to do my best to make my infielders better. If we're making plays and we're getting outs and my infielders feel comfortable letting throws go and they feel they don't have to be perfect, I'm doing my job.

I'm trying to my best to take pressure off them. The idea is just get it close, I got you.

I've played third base before I've played the other side of the infield. And the comfort in just trusting who's over there is a big dynamic. It's that little bit of forgiveness, that little bit of "take the edge off, I don't have to be perfect." And chances are that's when the good stuff shows up. And you take that pressure off yourself.

Just pride myself every day in being there for my infielders. Those guys are out there making really hard plays. They make it look easy, and just being sure I can be there on the back end to pick them up.

Q. For both of you, as fun as this run has been in the moment, do you also have a sense that it's kind of like the beginning of something with how young this team is and just kind of what this could mean beyond just this year?

CORBIN CARROLL: Yeah, we've got some really good talent. And as you said, a good portion of it is young. I think the exciting thing is we're still getting better. Still adapting to this level. Still kind of going through the trials and tribulations and coming out the other side a better product. I think there's a lot to be excited about.

CHRISTIAN WALKER: It's exactly that. It's a growth mindset. That answer is the epitome of it. We're proud and we're happy with what we're doing, but also, like, every day is an opportunity to learn and be a better player.

And I think when guys like that have that mentality, it's dangerous. And it's cool to be a part of.

Q. What was it like seeing Perdomo hit that, and kind of what has he meant at the bottom of that lineup? It seems like -- I know you guys don't chase a whole lot, but he seems to take it to a different level, his plate discipline?

CORBIN CARROLL: I've seen it for years now, since 2020, playing together. Also, he's always had an incredible eye. And it looks like the second breaking ball is down, a split second after it comes out of my hands, he's already shut it down. It's like he already knows. It's a gift. It's part of what makes him a very special player.

I don't know if I've seen him stand there on too many balls, and just watch him do that and get the offense going after nothing had come of that first go through the lineup. That's what sparked us. And I think that there is some other at-bats, you look back to earlier in the playoffs off Corbin Burnes, in Milwaukee, in general, where he was a spark, the guy getting us going.

He's hit in multiple spots in this lineup throughout the year, and I think he plays his role extremely well and does whatever it takes to help the team win.

Q. Following up on that question, how big of a help is it to stand in the box and see him take those pitches and just get to see so many pitches from that close up that he allows you guys to get the extra looks for?

CORBIN CARROLL: Yeah, I think I benefit from that, just have extra reps to time the pitcher up and kind of see his shapes from a little bit closer, yeah.