MLB WORLD SERIES: ASTROS VS BRAVES

October 30, 2021

Framber Valdez

Truist Park

Houston Astros

Pregame 4 Press Conference

Q. Framber, just wondering what the last few days have been like and what kind of a process you've been going through coming off of your previous start and trying to make adjustments.

FRAMBER VALDEZ: Just a little bit of a mechanical adjustment. I think my mechanics got a little bit out of whack in that last start against these guys. Then just focus on being 100 percent focused at all times, really work on executing that first strike, get ahead of a lot of these batters and be able to work ahead in the count. Just be focused and locked in mechanically.

Q. The process you went through from the last series in Boston, from the first start to the next, how much did you kind of look back on that and try to take from whatever you did between those starts to make similar -- I guess go through a similar process this time?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: For me, I just can't get too wrapped up in the bad things that happen in the outing beforehand. Just like the last time I went through this, you acknowledge the bad things that happened and focus on what kind of adjustments you can make, just like I did last time. I'll make those same kind of adjustments, especially staying down in the zone. That's a big one for me that I wanted to focus on.

You can't pay too much mind to the negative things. You've got to move on to the next page. Just make those little adjustments and be ready to have success in the next outing.

Q. Do you feel a little bit more calm now after your first outing in the World Series?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: It was a big moment. I wasn't scared or anything, but I think there's a little bit more tension than usual, especially for a guy that hasn't been in the World Series before and to be opening the World Series. I think all the guys that hadn't been in a World Series felt a little like that.

Now I know what it is. I know the excitement of the moment, and there's more tension and adrenaline than the regular season or even on the way to the World Series in the postseason. So I'm comfortable with it now, I'm familiar with it, and I'm ready to give it everything I've got for the next outing.

Q. Now that you have some familiarity with the stadium and with the Braves, is that going to help too?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: I think it feels like a comfortable atmosphere, especially for myself. I've been out there throwing a couple times, and I had a chance to get familiar with the rubber as well, and it feels like a comfortable atmosphere to play in.

We know it's a bit of a raucous environment here with the fans, but that's to be expected. I think the guys now feel a little bit comfortable and ready to go out and be ready to win the game.

Q. With the possibility that the DH will extend to both leagues, what would it mean to you if you wind up being one of the last pitchers to ever hit regularly in the Major Leagues tomorrow?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: To be honest with you, the last time that I hit was in the regular season in San Diego, I thought I was done hitting. So I didn't really pay attention and think too much about another chance to hit.

Just for me personally, I think it can be a little bit difficult as a pitcher to have two different concentrations. You have a totally different mindset at the plate and focused on the job you're doing there, and have to reset and go back out to the mound, it can be a little bit tiring and difficult to have your mind in two places at once. So I personally feel comfortable if they extend the DH to both leagues.

Q. As a kid, when was the last time you hit regularly and what level and where?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: 14 or 15 was the last time that I hit regularly in a league. I liked to hit in that era. It's a little bit different hitting as a pitcher here in the Big Leagues. So I still like hitting in softball back home in the Dominican, but hitting as a Major League pitcher, I don't like it.

Q. Framber, in the last series after your tough outing, you were determined to go at least seven innings, and you wound up going eight. Do you have some type of minimum you're looking at tomorrow?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: I don't have a specific number in mind this time. I think that was just something that came out when I came out of the game after they scored four runs against me, Boston in that series, and I just was determined that I was going to throw at least seven.

Tomorrow I'm just focused on doing the job the best I can. I'm going to try to attack the zone with intensity, throw the first strike, get ahead of guys, pull some guys. I don't have a specific number in mind. I want to go out and do the best job I can and have an even better outing than I did against the Red Sox.

Q. What is it like having Carlos Correa as a teammate and leader in the clubhouse? This may be his last couple games in an Astros uniform. What has he meant to you?

FRAMBER VALDEZ: He's a really good teammate, an excellent teammate really. He sets a really good example, gives us really good advice. He really worries about everybody on the team and in the game. Every time things aren't going perfectly, he's always there with good advice, even to myself about how I can throw a better game.

He's been a really good teammate for us. I hope he would be able to stay with the Astros. I know it's not my decision. Things happen in baseball. But he's been a really great teammate and a great example to follow.