AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: YANKEES VS ASTROS

October 22, 2022

Cristian Javier

Yankee Stadium

Houston Astros

Postgame 3 Press Conference

Houston Astros - 5, New York Yankees - 0

THE MODERATOR: We'll take questions for Cristian Javier.

Q. How would you compare the pitcher you are today to the guy who made his debut back in 2020?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Very different. I think every single year I have improved a lot, thanks to God, and I think I've matured as well, and just getting better every single day.

Q. Was there something in particular that you think really helped with that maturation process?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Yeah, I think a lot of advice that I've gotten from the guys. They have helped me a ton. And, yeah, I think that's one of the reasons.

Q. You and Christian Vázquez worked so well tonight. Could you talk about the job Christian did behind the plate and why did you guys click today?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Yeah, Vázquez, I think, called a really good game today. He was calling all the pitches. I felt that we were connected in that moment. I think he called a really good game.

Q. How important is Christian's and Maldonado's communication for you?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: It's really important. Obviously I communicating with them gives me the confidence to throw a lot of my pitches.

Q. Going back to your game in June and today and really all of the Astros games against New York this season you've been very successful. What are the keys that you're doing so well?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: I think the biggest key for us is just staying focused and throwing a lot of strikes. I think that's what helped us in the past and what has us here right now.

Q. After the home run did that help you relax out there?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Definitely that home run helped us a lot. I think what we just tried to do in that moment was just try to keep the game where it was at.

Q. What's going on through your mind? You're a game away from the World Series. Is your heart racing? Are you just ready for it to be over tomorrow so you can focus on the World Series?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Our focus for tomorrow is just to come here and just play to win. We're going to come in and play as if we're down 3-0 and if we win the game tomorrow, hopefully we do, thanks to God, then we'll talk about the World Series.

Q. You came up as a reliever with the Astros and now is a starter. How do you feel about being able to start now?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: I feel very proud of what I've been able to do here and also for the team to have given me this opportunity. I know being a reliever is sometimes just part of the process. But I feel very proud and very happy to be where I'm at.

Q. Going back to what you said earlier about getting some advice from the guys, is there one piece of advice in particular or a few people who have been particularly helpful to you?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Yeah, they have given me a lot of advice, talking about mechanics and just how to stay focused and stay in line to the plate, just throw more strikes.

Q. We know the Astros are a really good team, but did you talk to Framber after the second game? Did he give you any advice for today's game?

CRISTIAN JAVIER: Yeah, we came the whole flight yesterday talking about it, just things that he saw in the hitters and different things like that, and thankfully we were able to get good results today.