AL DIVISION SERIES: YANKEES VS RAYS

October 2, 2026

Austin Wells

Tropicana Field

New York Yankees

Workout Day Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Austin, thanks for making the time. Who's got the first question?

Q. Austin, when you kind of look around, I don't know how much you look at other teams, but you see teams scrambling to get through games in the postseason. You have four starters you can deploy. For you handling those guys, what kind of luxury is that?

AUSTIN WELLS: Being in the position where those guys are healthy and obviously doing great makes my job easier. I know I can go out there and we're set up for any sort of series, no matter the games, with the guys that we have.

So, I mean, you saw a little bit, you saw Will come out of the pen there for a couple innings. It's versatile and, yeah, it makes it easier for me.

Q. What kind of challenge do these guys present with the way they run, bunt, all those kinds of ways that they put pressure on you? For you guys as a team, but also for you specifically, what kind of challenges do they present?

AUSTIN WELLS: They love to run and take advantage. So try to give them as little free passes as possible, take every out they give us. We've got to play defense. I think that's what it's going to come down to. If we do our job and play the defense we're capable of, I think we'll be successful at the end of the series.

But, yeah, they definitely keep you on your toes and I'm looking forward to it.

THE MODERATOR: With your pitching staff having the veteran experience it has, is that a weapon for you in October?

AUSTIN WELLS: I think we have guys with a lot of experience in the postseason and just in the big leagues in general. I think that adds to the confidence going into the series, into whoever we face.

You know the guys have been there before and handled it so that takes away a little added element. And just being in the playoffs, that can affect certain guys. So to be able to have that experience, I think, it benefits the team in the long run.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Austin. Appreciate your time.