AL DIVISION SERIES: YANKEES VS RAYS

October 5, 2026

Kevin Cash

Tropicana Field

Tampa Bay Rays

Pregame 2 Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: All right. We'll get started with Kevin.

Q. Kevin, you've talked about Schlittler a couple of times now. How much do you think, having faced him three times, seen him fairly recently, can kind of impact how the hitters go about it tonight?

KEVIN CASH: I think it helps more than the not. I don't know how much it helps, though, because he's so good.

I think the thing that he did against the Red Sox, which he has not done against us, was break out the curveball, to that extent. So I wouldn't be surprised if he does it. It could work more in his favor, knowing that he's kind of got that in his back pocket.

But regardless, whichever direction he goes, if he uses a curveball or he doesn't, it's just really, really quality stuff.

Q. MLB named the Hank Aaron Award finalists today. There's ten for the American League. You had a two, Junior and Yandy. What does it say about their seasons?

KEVIN CASH: It says they've had great seasons. That's quite the award to be even in the conversation with that. It also speaks to maybe the lack of homers that supposedly that we do not hit. We do have some guys that can knock the ball out of the ballpark.

If you're getting an award or nominated to be in conversation with Hank Aaron, you're pretty powerful.

Q. Does it take watching this team play every day to understand just how good Taylor Walls is at shortstop and how valuable he is to this group?

KEVIN CASH: I think that's fair, yeah. I mean, but -- yes, probably so because he doesn't have the triple slash line like some of the other guys do. What he does defensively to me is like a triple crown winner on the offensive side.

It's probably a better question for our pitchers. When they're watching him every fifth day or the bullpen every day, they certainly know how much he brings to our overall team in and the success that we've had.

Q. Kevin, as emotional as that was, the big win, over 40,000, I know you probably like to play back to back, but to actually have that day off and to be ready now, do you think that's good? Does it feel good?

KEVIN CASH: Again, better question for the players. I think I probably would have rather just played. We've had a lot of down time here lately between, you know, the five days leading off coming into Game 1. Sometimes you want to ride that momentum. That was such a big game, big win. Guys were pumped and maybe that is a benefit at times to just roll right into the next day.

I know that's getting ready to change after tomorrow's off day.

Q. Kevin, you kind of alluded to it Saturday night, how many close games you've played against the Yankees this season, nine games decided by two or fewer runs, counting Game 1. Do you think that's a sign of two good teams or something else?

KEVIN CASH: It's definitely that. Starts with that. I think that we can match up pretty well against them. They can match up against us. There's a lot of decisions that go on on those games. But it comes down to, ultimately, very talented players on both sides of the ball in both dugouts that are able to go out and compete and keep it tight, prevent runs, and find those big hits late in games.

Q. Kevin, what do you think is the biggest thing that's clicked for Peralta since you acquired him and how much are you looking forward to seeing what he has for you guys tonight?

KEVIN CASH: I know Freddy has had a tremendous career, and I know that the start with the Mets this year maybe didn't go as well as he would have liked.

I think what clicked is him coming over here and just flushing whatever had gone on and approaching it like a fresh start, new start, new season for him. The fastball/change-up combination, the early strike offspeed pitches he's able to throw and control in the count and has found ways to just put up a bunch of zeroes and get deep in games.

Q. Consistency in a closer has to be one of the most admirable traits you could have. How much have you appreciated that in Baker and the rest of your bullpen?

KEVIN CASH: We've talked about it a lot, but probably haven't talked about it enough. To be able to -- you look at his numbers and the consecutive saves he's gotten. I mean, there's just so much confidence that we've got to lead late in the ball game and definitely heading into the 9th. Is there a team that should feel better than us?

THE MODERATOR: Thanks so much. Appreciate it.