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NL DIVISION SERIES: BREWERS VS BRAVES


October 12, 2021


Austin Riley


Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Truist Park

Atlanta Braves

Pregame 4 Press Conference


Q. Defensive positioning has been very good for you guys this series. Talk about the team as a whole, but also you, just going back and forth between third base and out there into shallow right field, what have you found beneficial for that this year?

AUSTIN RILEY: I think at first when we made the switch to me going out to right field, it was a lot of -- we shifted everybody. And then you kind of see some pitchers get a little frustrated with such movements and stuff.

So then we ended up having a meeting, all the infielders, kind of coming together, trying to figure out, make sure we're all on the same game plan as the pitchers. Like I said, we want them to be comfortable, feel comfortable, when they're on the mound.

So we kind of started making minor adjustments and they seemed to really -- they really liked it. And so did we. So, I mean, just this series, going over there, I like it. I'm comfortable with it.

Like I said, it seemed to -- we've had some big plays with the shift and stuff like that being in the right spot. I think that just goes to show upstairs, I think they've done a really good job of game planning for this series.

Q. Can you give us an example of the minor adjustment?

AUSTIN RILEY: It was just, like, early on we were shifting, like I said, every lefty I was going over there. And we kind of were getting beat a little bit with some slaps to the other way.

And just those, like really just focusing on guys that extremely pull the ball, I think, is what the minor adjustment is what we had to make.

Q. Also how much does it help to have personalities like Joc and Heredia to keep people loose in that environment?

AUSTIN RILEY: It's huge. Like I said, those guys, they bring it every day the same, no matter if we're winning or losing, they're always in the game. I think that's very important.

In a series or in postseason, like I said, keeping things light in those situations where you kind of find yourself maybe a little tense, they're awesome to have around.

Q. You ever go into a series and see a bunch of extreme pull guys and go, oh, man, I've got to do a lot of running this week?

AUSTIN RILEY: No, when it was hot, humid around here, I lost a few pounds. But no, like I said, I don't mind it. It's all about the comfort of the pitchers.

If they want us over there, we're all for it. We just want them to have the confidence that they can make their pitches and they like where we're at.

Q. I know he's on short rest, Austin, but does Charlie Morton have the perfect temperament for a closeout situation?

AUSTIN RILEY: I think so. I don't think you want anybody else up there other than Charlie. He's been in these situations many times. He's not going to get overwhelmed with it. He's going to come in and give you solid, quality innings. I'm excited that he's out there.

Q. Can you give us just a sense of of what that clubhouse is like this morning, or this afternoon, whatever?

AUSTIN RILEY: Well, I got here and I worked out. I haven't been there. I know it's fine. We're right where we need to be, mentally, physically.

So, like I said, we're wanting to close this door, not wanting to go back to Milwaukee. We're going to be coming out hot.

Q. Considering some of the criticism that the bullpen took earlier in the year, how satisfied are you guys or happy are you guys to see those guys coming through like they have in the postseason and getting some accolades now?

AUSTIN RILEY: I think it's huge. They've been bulldogs for us this postseason, guys running out there every day and coming up in big situations for us.

I think they're doing exactly what we want them to do and more so. I'm very pleased with them. I think they've done a great job.

Q. Where did Heredia come up with the sword? Have you ever asked him?

AUSTIN RILEY: No, I really could not give you an answer. I don't know where they came up from. I don't even know where he got the swords. But they just showed up one day and he rolled with it, and it's been pretty entertaining.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

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