AL DIVISION SERIES: YANKEES VS RAYS

October 4, 2026

David Bednar

Tropicana Field

New York Yankees

Workout Day Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Hi, David. Thanks for taking the time. Appreciate it.

Q. David, just impressions of facing the Rays throughout the season and what's made them a tough group to go up against?

DAVID BEDNAR: They're a tough ball club. They're a scrappy bunch. They play their game. They know their identity. They do it well.

Q. Hi, David. From an age where most closers always come in to start a clean 9th inning and get three outs, you've had, I think, three two-inning saves this year. How does that change your routine and the mentality when you come in earlier?

DAVID BEDNAR: I think it's just trying to do a task, finish a task, and just take it one at a time. When I'm down there, I'm ready for whenever the phone rings in whatever situation, whatever the team needs me to do. And to keep getting outs.

So whenever that may be, I'm always prepared.

Q. When you come out after getting three outs and go to the dugout in the clubhouse, does the adrenaline level dip and then you have to get it boosted again when you go out for the next half inning?

DAVID BEDNAR: Nothing crazy. I think you're trying to take the time to go over the game plan for the next inning and just how to find a way to get it done.

Q. David, you guys have Cam going tomorrow, obviously. He's actually pitched better on the road this year. Why do you think he's so -- he seems to enjoy pitching in those kind of environments?

DAVID BEDNAR: I don't know. He's just the ultimate competitor. This year has been, even from last year to this year, has been a lot of fun to watch. Watch him grow throughout the year and just continue to compete and just dominate. I get a front-row seat to it and the work that goes in behind the scenes and his mentality and his makeup. It's really impressive.

Q. You mentioned behind the scenes. What's he like when he's not on the mound? How would you describe that?

DAVID BEDNAR: Calm, cool, and collected. You know, crack some jokes. When he's on the mound, it's go time, and I'm also that guy.

Q. David, your mentality has been whatever the team needs. You are a free agent, and so it is going to be a big temptation to use you rather liberally because you've had a fantastic season.

How do you approach the playoffs? Is there any concern at all?

DAVID BEDNAR: In regards to?

Q. Oh, just usage. I mean, you've been whatever the team needs. You've been one of those guys. Is that how you continue to feel? Because in the playoffs, there will be more interest in using you many more pitches and more innings.

DAVID BEDNAR: Yeah, no, I think that's what the playoffs are all about. You're just trying to find a way to win every game. That's what you work all the 162 for, to have this opportunity. You prepare yourself mentally and physically for this to put yourself in the best position possible to succeed in October when you're asked to go more than you possibly might usually do.

The depth of our bullpen, too, I'm not the only guy. There's plenty of other guys they've asked to go a good bit and have worked -- had really good years for us. So I think it's -- everybody has the same mentality and everybody is pulling the same direction down there. That's really what it is, just finding a way to win games.

Q. David, you've been in the bullpen at Tropicana Field a bunch, especially with the Yankees. What was it like seeing such a heavy, packed house, pro-Rays crowd there yesterday?

DAVID BEDNAR: Honestly, that was the first time I've seen it. I haven't been there as much, not as much throughout my career. But that was obviously by far the most packed I've ever seen it. The top row -- the top deck. It was definitely a great atmosphere, and that's all you can ask for. It's playoff baseball.

Q. David, just curious what you took away from your first postseason experience last year, kind of what's carried over to this year in terms of preparation and just navigating the schedule and the extra noise that comes with postseason baseball.

DAVID BEDNAR: Absolutely, I think last year that was my first experience with it. Didn't really have any expectations or didn't really know what to expect. Obviously, get the pregame jitters a little bit, but you have to treat it just like any other game.

You prepare mentally and physically all year to put yourself in a good position, and once the game starts, it's just baseball. I think that's the approach you have to take. Obviously, there's a heightened focus, heightened everything around it. But, you know, you can't let it speed up on you. You have to be able to slow the game down and take it one pitch at a time, one at-bat at a time.

Because once it gets going a little bit and you let it slip out of your hands, that's whenever the game goes too fast for you.

Q. One last question for you. What are your thoughts on Aaron Rodgers?

DAVID BEDNAR: I was pumped to see some points in the first -- they're scoring some points so I like it. Feed Darnell Washington the ball. Give him the rock, the big fella.

Q. I had to ask.

THE MODERATOR: David, thank you so much for taking the time. We'll see you at the Trop tomorrow.