AL DIVISION SERIES: WHITE SOX VS GUARDIANS

October 8, 2026

Stephen Vogt

Rate Field

Cleveland Guardians

Pregame 4 Press Conference

Q. Vogter, do you think the time change makes any difference in your preparation, game time change?

STEPHEN VOGT: I don't think it makes any difference. We knew as soon as the game ended that the time change could be a possibility. So we were able to get the news to our guys in plenty of time last night. Just makes the day longer is the only thing it really does. And obviously, the shadows shouldn't be an issue.

Q. The José Ramírez factor, we know what a great player he is, what an inspiration he is, and how he took over that game. From your experience, can that translate into the next game or series? Is there any such thing that a team can wake up with their star performing at a top level and bringing, elevating their game?

STEPHEN VOGT: I think anything's possible. I don't think you should put any limits on someone like José Ramírez. We've seen what he's done over the course of his career. Just the feeling of one game, doing what he did, can get him going, of course.

Again, I always say that momentum is only as good as next day's starting pitcher. That's baseball. It's something we know we've got our work cut out for us. We're in the same situation we were in yesterday. Our backs are against the wall. We need to win to keep the season going.

Q. Vogter, from a relief perspective today, who is definitely unavailable?

STEPHEN VOGT: Foster Griffin is not going to throw a pitch today. He threw a lot of them yesterday and did a great job.

Q. Is there any chance Gavin Williams could come in?

STEPHEN VOGT: Gavin is available out of the bullpen, yeah. We don't know if or when or how, but he is available, obviously. We're all hands on deck at this point.

Q. Vogter, what do you make of the way Tim Herrin has ascended here? Seems like every time he's been in tight spots recently, he's been able to step up for you guys.

STEPHEN VOGT: Yeah, Timmy has been a big-time pitcher for us for the last three years since I've been here, and really since we were in Chicago the last time, he's throwing the ball excellent. When Timmy is at his best, he's in the strike zone. He's got some of the best stuff in the Big Leagues from the left side. He's funky, arms and elbows everywhere coming at you. It's an uncomfortable at-bat. Again, when he's throwing strikes, he's really tough to hit. That was an unbelievable performance yesterday.

Q. How difficult is it to manage every pitch, every hitter like it's the seventh game of the World Series? I mean that seems to be how the White Sox did it this year, but, more importantly, postseason baseball right now. Do you get six hours' sleep when you're thinking about these things going into a game like this?

STEPHEN VOGT: There's a reason I don't look like I'm 41 and have a lot of gray hair. I mean, these games are intense. You're locked into every pitch and, yeah, you're thinking, overthinking, under-thinking. It's why I'm constantly talking to the people around me in the dugout to make sure that my mind is clear.

These games are fun. This is why we do it. They are stressful, and no, you don't get any sleep. But that's the job. And that's why we love this game. This game is different than any other, and it's a beautiful thing. But it definitely ages you.

THE MODERATOR: Stephen, thanks for coming in.