Q. What does it mean to you to be getting the ball in Game 1 of the ALDS?
LUIS GIL: It means a lot, especially an important game for us in the series. But I think we've just got to keep doing what we've been doing, stay locked in, and go out and compete and ask God to help us out.
Q. That lineup on the other side can be a nuisance at times. What do you look at as the biggest challenge when you look at 1 through 9 in the order?
LUIS GIL: Yeah, I think I got to lock in on what I do, understanding that they have a pretty good lineup. There are many other teams in the league that have very good lineups. You get to face them throughout the year. But for me it's to lock in and really focus on what I want to do on the mound, find a way to compete, and stay locked in in the plan that you're going to have for them.
Q. It's been a much different year than it was last year for you. Where do you feel you are at this point? How have you seen, ever since you came back, yourself developing to get to where you are now?
LUIS GIL: I feel really good. I finally feel that I'm 100 percent. Like I mentioned a moment ago, right now you just have to go and battle. But as far as maturing and where I'm at today throughout my career, I think experience plays a big part of that. Growing and maturing as a pitcher, I think has allowed me.
Q. There was a picture of the team posted last night of all the starting pitchers together, but included were Gerrit and Clarke in there too. How big of a role have they played, even if they can't pitch, in what you've been able to do this year, what Cam did last night? How much do you guys lean on Clarke and Gerrit as you go through this?
LUIS GIL: It means a lot to us to have those guys around. When you talk about Cole with so much experience, they're always finding a way to give you pointers and advice that you can try and implement and see if you can take that and make yourself a better pitcher. It means a lot to have them around. They're always on top of us, seeing what we're doing and helping us really. So it means a lot to have them around.
Q. You dealt with the injuries in Spring Training and obviously into the second half of this season. Was there ever a time where you doubted you would make it back to full strength and put yourself in this position?
LUIS GIL: It's tough whenever you go through an injury. You never want to get injured, and they're very unexpected when they happen. Like I said a moment ago, I feel very good right now where I'm at today, and the important thing is that we're here today and we have a really good chance of playing in the postseason and give it everything we have.
Q. I realize it's a big question, but what's it like trying to get Vlady Jr. out?
LUIS GIL: I try to keep it simple. Independent from who the batter is, I'm focusing on what I want to do on the mound and what I want to execute. I stay locked in on what I want to do regardless of who's at-bat, who's batting.
Q. Since you came back, you haven't gotten the same level of swing and miss strikeouts as last year. Has that changed your approach at all, and do you think there's still more to be had there?
LUIS GIL: I think it's a matter of experience and growing as a pitcher. You find ways to get guys out, especially if you're getting good results, and you keep evolving. It doesn't mean it's not going to be there. It's part of pitching.
Q. Just as a pitcher and competitor, what impressed you most about what Cam Schlittler did last night?
LUIS GIL: Man, that was impressive to see. He's such a young talent. I think what he was able to do last night, it just motivated everybody to keep on going further and keep on battling.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports