AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: RANGERS VS ASTROS

October 16, 2023

Michael Brantley

Minute Maid Park

Houston Astros

Pregame 2 Press Conference

Q. Just with everything you had to deal with with coming back from surgery this season, how did that change your preparations coming into the playoffs?

MICHAEL BRANTLEY: I'm excited for the opportunity to play with these guys in this locker room for this series, this Championship Series.

For me, I just embrace everybody, and I'm very thankful to be here and look forward to tonight.

Q. Does it require any kind of adjustment for you or any change in your routine to be someone not knowing if you're playing every day into the lineup this time of year?

MICHAEL BRANTLEY: For me personally, I've done the same routine for the last eight years in the cage and BP. I just stick to my routine, and when my name is called, I'll be ready. I really put in the preparation daily to go out there and give my team and myself the best chances, that's it.

Q. When Yordan made his debut, you watched him from then to now. Is he the same guy he was then, and how quickly did you realize there was something special there?

MICHAEL BRANTLEY: I noticed it in Spring Training. I had the opportunity to hit with him in BP. I didn't know who he was. I asked him his name, what position. He said he played left field. I said why did they assign me?

I actually saw it. He's a special talent. I'm glad that he's on our side. But just the maturity level, the understanding of hitting, he's not just a power hitter, he can drive in runs. He hits the ball the other way. He does it all.

Q. And with your shoulder, are you in a position where you could play in every playoff game physically?

MICHAEL BRANTLEY: I'm a hundred percent healthy. I'm excited. I'm ready to help the team in any way I can.

Q. So many guys have complimented you and just your clubhouse presence. Can you give us the temperature of the clubhouse after yesterday's loss?

MICHAEL BRANTLEY: We're not happy. But at the same time we understand it's a quick turnaround. Guys are working already, ready to go. This is why you play the series, and look forward to this afternoon.

Q. When you guys struggle at the plate like you did last night how important is it to kind of simplify the approach, just keep the line moving and not necessarily overthink what you're trying to do up there?

MICHAEL BRANTLEY: Yeah, it's very important. Obviously that was yesterday. Today is a new day. You're going to sleep, you're going to wake back up, I believe in this lineup. I believe in this team. It's one at-bat at a time, one pitch at a time. We know that. We understand that. We work together as a team all year long and we'll do it again today.

Q. What is working with Gary Pettis like and how does he manage to work with experienced players such as yourself, but also some of the younger guys you have?

MICHAEL BRANTLEY: It's great. He still brings a lot of energy. He's always messing around. He does a great job putting us in positions to succeed. And moving us around, obviously we talk about defense, alignments, and everything else, and obviously base running as well. But he did a phenomenal job putting us in the right situation so we can have success.