What happened: Speaking on World Series Media Day on Thursday, Aaron Ashby said he puts himself in the right mental headspace by expecting to pitch the remainder of the game whenever he enters. That approach leaves him ready for any bullpen situation when manager Pat Murphy calls his number.

Why it matters: Ashby enters the Fall Classic after he slammed the door on Oct. 16 to clinch the World Series berth following an earlier bridge appearance on Oct. 12. A reliever prepared to absorb extended innings gives Murphy coverage for early starter exits as well as late high-leverage frames.

What to watch: Murphy will have Ashby available for both multi-inning bridge duty and late-game situations when the World Series opens.