WATCH: Daniel Palencia reacts to playoff win against Padres |
Tony Crumpton
· · 12 hours ago
Chicago Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia addressed the media following the Cubs' 3-1 win in Game 1 over the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card Series talking about whether he knew when he would be called upon to come in and pitch.
Palencia also shared the roller coaster of emotions he went through within the last month or so and more. Watch the postgame interview below:
Video summary/cliff notes:
(00:11) Palencia says he was prepared mentally from the first inning after talks with the pitching coach and manager, ready for any situation, and executed his plan well.
(00:40) Reflects on the roller coaster of emotions — nearly injured a month ago, but now pitching in the playoffs after preparing body and mind since the offseason.
(01:04) Describes facing the top of the Padres’ order as a “huge moment,” approaching it with an aggressive mindset: “It’s them versus me, and this time I won.”
(01:34) Praises the bullpen’s performance throughout the year and says he’ll pitch anytime he’s needed — first inning, closing, or starting.
(02:08) On walking off the mound, he says adrenaline and fan support made him love his job even more.
(02:28) Notes he prepared specifically for Machado and Tatis Jr. by studying their games in advance, calling it part of baseball planning and execution.
(02:45) Speaks highly of teammate Matthew Boyd, saying Boyd gives him advice, is a great guy, and has been amazing for the team.
(03:01) Emotionally, Palencia says he feels like a kid living his dream, just staying ready for each moment.
(03:23) On pitching multiple innings in a playoff setting, he downplays pressure and keeps focus on executing pitches aggressively.
(03:39) Maintains that whether pitching the ninth or earlier, his mentality stays the same: make outs, execute pitches, and stay aggressive.
