AL DIVISION SERIES: WHITE SOX VS GUARDIANS

October 6, 2026

Daniel Espino

Rate Field

Cleveland Guardians

Workout Day Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We'll get started with Daniel Espino.

Q. Daniel, just with everything you've had to experience the past few years, on the field, off the field, could you have ever dreamed of this moment? Did you ever look ahead and think, man, I wish I could get to this moment, to start in a playoff game?

DANIEL ESPINO: Yes, of course, and I was wishing just to throw a baseball too. I'm now starting a Game 3, and it's just really important, but every step that I've taken in my life has been really important, since leaving my home in Panama to move to the States. And tomorrow.

Q. How do you mentally prepare yourself for the potential atmosphere and the environment that this ballpark will have tomorrow when you walk into it? How do you prepare for that?

DANIEL ESPINO: I think there's no preparation. You just go out there and believe in your abilities and be confident on the work that you've put in. And I can tell you, I'm prepared for this moment.

Q. Is there anything you can take away just from getting in the game the other day and just kind of knocking off any postseason firsts?

DANIEL ESPINO: Sorry. I didn't understand that.

Q. From pitching the other day, just how does that help you? You've pitched in a postseason game. How does that prepare you, I guess?

DANIEL ESPINO: I think like just keep it simple. Every time I'm on the mound is important. In Triple-A, it changes my perspective. There hasn't been a big day -- I think the biggest day of my career so far was throwing my first live AB back in Arizona. I think that was a really cool moment for me.

Tomorrow is a different setting that I think I'm prepared for it and everybody's prepared for it, talking about my teammates and everybody in that clubhouse.

Q. Daniel, when was that first live BP in Arizona? This spring?

DANIEL ESPINO: No, it was last year, May. I think it was around May.

Q. Did you get any indication of how long you'll pitch tomorrow?

DANIEL ESPINO: No. I'm just excited, stoked about the opportunity that I have to set the tone as the opener, and just go out there and have fun.

Q. What about the fact it is a win-or-go-home game. Does that add anything to the situation for you?

DANIEL ESPINO: I think that's kind of like the outside perspective, obviously. We can't sugarcoat that we're in the position that we are right now. But if we had been ahead in the series, it would be the same situation for me personally, going out there and doing my job.

Q. Daniel, is there a way the White Sox approach their at-bats that's different to prepare for, or do you stay within -- I'm going to throw my game to my catcher and not worry about what their approach is?

DANIEL ESPINO: Yeah, they're a pretty good team, pretty good lineup. They fight every pitch, and I think that that's what makes them really special. My game plan is just go out there and attack the zone. I think this year, when I've gotten myself in trouble is whenever I get too cute and try to be perfect.

Q. When did they tell you? When did Vogter tell you that you're starting tomorrow?

DANIEL ESPINO: Today, before catch play.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Daniel.