AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: RANGERS VS ASTROS

October 18, 2023

Mauricio Dubón

Globe Life Field

Houston Astros

Pregame 3 Press Conference

Q. What's your reaction to the Golden Glove nominations in two different positions? Did you expect to get nominated, and what do you think of the guys you're up against to win?

MAURICIO DUBÓN: It was -- I was happy about it. I felt I had done a pretty good job in defense. I didn't think I would get nominated for two. But I'm in defense so much that it's finally getting noticed. I'm pretty happy about it.

Q. Overall, how has this trade to the Astros made you change your life? Have an opportunity here, you've won a championship and put yourself on the map?

MAURICIO DUBÓN: I think it's -- obviously it was the best thing for my career, I think, the opportunity. I was telling somebody today that, yeah, I got smarter, I got a little stronger. But my ability hasn't changed. For me it was a matter of getting a chance. And thanks to the Astros, the Astros gave me a chance to get out there and show people what I can do.

Q. Second base is a position where you sort of had to fill into. How would you describe your development at second base, and who has been important there?

MAURICIO DUBÓN: I think everybody. I mean, Joe, Omar, Jose, sometimes, I ask him questions about, you know, situations in the game. And he's always there for me, asking like -- just giving me his thoughts about some plays and vice versa.

And I think just watching the game. Taking it a game at a time. And not too worried about when you make a mistake. And just going and pretty much trust your instincts. I think that's been the biggest thing for me, just trust my instincts.

Q. You're very versatile, obviously, it goes without saying, two nominations. How much pride do you take in that defensive versatility and also being able to contribute with the bat?

MAURICIO DUBÓN: I feel very prideful in what I do, my defense. I prepare myself every day to play whatever position I get to play. If I'm not playing, I think that's the hardest day because I've got to prepare for seven positions.

So I think that's the biggest thing for me, just how I try not to make mistakes on defense, but sometimes it's going to happen. And I think I'm more okay when I make a mistake, but I know I prepare myself the right way than when I don't prepare myself the right way.

Q. Do you feel like you were a couple of big hits away from the series. Can you take us inside the clubhouse, is it kind a still a little bit of confidence despite what the series tally says?

MAURICIO DUBÓN: Yeah, we are pretty confident group in all aspects. Baseball happens, sometimes with bases loaded you don't get a hit. During the season a lot of that happens. But it's the playoffs, it's more magnified. And I think right now we are down two games but confidence is still high in the clubhouse, just got to take one game at a time. And I think we have that mentality now and I think we've got a pretty good vibe in the clubhouse.

Q. Did your confidence need any rebuilding upon coming to Houston? And if so, did anyone help in that process?

MAURICIO DUBÓN: Yeah, you know, I came from a place that it was kind of shattering for me as a player. But coming to Houston and watching all these great players, the Jordan Alverezes, the Jose Altuves, everybody just coming out of here, the Bregmans, just having that confidence, that rubs off and you believe you're the best team in the world and all of a sudden you start believing you're one of the best players in the world. That carries, and I think the mind has a big part of what I've been accomplishing.