Video summary
Max Fried reflected on his successful performance in Minnesota, attributing his increased efficiency to improved command of his off-speed pitches. He explained that he felt confident throwing these pitches in any count throughout the game, which allowed him to maintain better control than in previous outings. This confidence was further bolstered by strong defensive support from his teammates, whose great plays behind him helped sustain his momentum and reinforce his belief in his current form.
Despite feeling like he delivered a full start, Fried acknowledged that he still had some work to do regarding his pitch count, as he reached 88 pitches only because the opposing pitcher allowed him to escape an inning early. He noted that while he is pleased with being able to reach seven innings without significant limitations, he aims to be even sharper by the end of future games. His next challenge will come in a crucial series against Tampa Bay, where he intends to ensure he is fully prepared and ready to go deep into his outing.
Fried expressed deep gratitude for the medical staff and coaches who have supported him throughout the season, enabling him to reach this point in his health and career. He emphasized that throwing well at this stage of the year is incredibly encouraging, especially after facing numerous obstacles earlier in the regular season. His appreciation extended to everyone involved in his recovery and preparation, highlighting how their efforts have positioned him to succeed when it matters most.
Looking ahead to the upcoming playoff series against the Rays, Fried recognized the high stakes involved as both teams will be bringing their best efforts to the field. He described the matchup as a true test of playoff baseball between two strong contenders, noting that every game could be pivotal for either side. The excitement surrounding this next chapter is palpable, with Fried eager to contribute to the team's success in what promises to be an intense and competitive postseason run.
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Max, what adjustments did you make from
last start that allowed you to be so
much more efficient this evening?
>> Uh, just had better control of my off
speed pitches, be able to throw them for
strikes. Felt like I was able to um
throw them in any count and was really
really confident with that. Worked
really well with Ali. And then uh also
when you when you have defense make some
really great plays behind you, it just
adds to your confidence. How much
confidence do you have overall of where
your stuff is at right now knowing, you
know, just a few in the regular season
and then it's [music] postseason time?
>> Uh, it definitely was nice to be able to
put a what felt like a full start
together. Not as much uh limited by
pitch count. Still got up to 88 pitches
into the seventh, finish the seventh.
So, um, definitely nice to kind of check
that box, but it's a mix of feeling good
with where we're at, but also knowing
that still have stuff to work on. I want
to be able to make sure that I'm a
little bit sharper coming down to the
end. Um, you know, we got a big series
coming up against the, you know, Tampa
for my for my next one. So, just want to
make sure I'm I'm ready for that.
>> You've been through a lot this year.
Just how encouraging is it to have a
start like that at this point in the
season?
>> Uh, it's it's really nice. Um, you want
to be able to be throwing well at this
time of the year. And, uh, just really
thankful to medical staff, coaches,
everyone that's kind of been putting,
uh, my health and getting me to this
point to be in a position to succeed.
So, you know, really just hats off to
them.
>> You said that uh, you're still a little
bit on a pitch count. Do you feel like
you're still building or do you feel
it's just kind of
>> Yeah. Uh today today was supposed to be
around like a 8085
and really fortunate that um that Boon
allowed me to kind of get out of that
inning, get up to 88. So um I mean in my
mind I'm I'm pretty fully built up at
this point getting up around 90 pitches,
seven innings. Uh I'm I'm confident that
I'll I'll be able to go kind of a a full
go next time.
>> Series against the Rays living next
week. What do you think that's going to
be like just knowing that that all could
be at stake for them?
>> Uh that's going to be playoff baseball.
It's uh two teams, two really good teams
that are going at it and uh
it's uh you know, it's definitely an
important series. So, you got everyone's
going to be bringing their best and uh
excited to just excited to to be a part
of it and you know can't wait for next