Q. How are you doing? We just talked to Alex Cora, and he said that Carlos might catch you instead of Connor. You've had Connor as kind of a personal catcher this year. Is that an adjustment for you? What do you have to prepare, and are you okay with that? >>
BRAYAN BELLO: I don't think anything will change. I think we all have the same goal. We all have the same common goal. If he is the AP, he is the one who is going to catch me tomorrow, I feel like we just get together before the game and that's it. I don't think anything will change.
Q. Brayan, you have pitched at the stadium in your career. How excited are you to play in your first playoff game tomorrow?
BRAYAN BELLO: Obviously super happy for the opportunity to start the game tomorrow here, to be the No. 2 starter. In this first series, obviously, I have been throwing a lot of big games here, but I feel like this one is going to be different.
Q. Brayan, why do you like pitching here so much? Is it being in New York, pitching against the Yankees? What is it you like about being here?
BRAYAN BELLO: I feel like as soon as you put your step on the field, you feel the pressure from the fans, even when you are in the bullpen and when you go to the mound. For me nothing changed preparation-wise, but I feel like that extra pressure from the fans and from everybody it gets me going.
Q. Brayan, a couple times when you pitched here, including when the team was here a couple weeks ago, you said you really like the mound at Yankee Stadium. I am curious what about the mound at this ballpark that you really like?
BRAYAN BELLO: It feels comfortable. You feel like a good grip for your cleats, the landing spot is great. That's why I like it so much here.
Q. Connelly Early has been with you guys for the last few weeks. What have you learned about him as a pitcher and as a person?
BRAYAN BELLO: It's impressive the way that he behaves. It feels like he has been in the big leagues for three, four years, all of the pitches that he has, they are very good.
And I didn't have that when I came up. It took me a while to learn all of those things, and it feels like he already knows those little things, how to behave in the clubhouse, how to be so composed and calm. Very impressive.
Q. Where did you get that shirt, and how much do you like it?
BRAYAN BELLO: Wally, the team mascot. I got it from a good friend. He supported me through my career. Very comfortable. I like it.
Q. Best year of your career so far. What do you attribute that success to?
BRAYAN BELLO: I feel, first of all, just blessed that I am healthy, that I stay healthy throughout the year. I also feel like the coaching staff, the pitching coach and pitching staff also helped me a lot too this year. And the offseason working with Pedro as well. It is a team effort, and I feel like it's a lot of people that helped me to get to this point, and I am very grateful for that.
Q. Brayan, you had the honor of pitching on Opening Day at the start of '24. I am wondering what that taught you about maybe controlling your nerves and emotions and excitement, and how the buildup to tomorrow might compare to that assignment?
BRAYAN BELLO: I feel like last year was a little bit deeper and with my extension the Opening Day I feel like I was present a little bit during the first couple of starts. So the difference this year is I am going to go out there, enjoy the game. I am going to enjoy every single inning and obviously try to win the game. I feel like the main part for me is to enjoy it.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports