Kevin Cash has been the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays since 2015. Before taking over the manager job in Tampa Bay, Cash served as the bullpen coach for the Cleveland Guardians. With the Rays and Guardians set to play Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on Thursday, Cash addressed his previous tenure in Cleveland, via Rays reporter Ryan Bass.

“Incredibly grateful for the opportunity that (the Guardians) gave me when I came over,” Cash said. “Learned a lot, got a lot thrown at me. So many good people that put their arm around me and supported rather than… It's very easy to be critical of somebody not knowing what they're doing, or their first year at it. They were always that progressive mindset, growth mindset, doing everything to help support me.”

Cash believes working as a bullpen coach has helped him in his managerial role with the Rays.

“I do think the bullpen coach is different than other coaches in the fact that you are managing your own little group down there for three hours of a game,” Cash continued. “That helps with the managing people.”

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The Rays-Guardians ALCS has been competitive so far. The series is tied 1-1 at the moment. With the next three games set to be played in Cleveland, Cash's managing performance will certainly go a long way toward determining how Tampa Bay performs on the road.

First pitch is scheduled for 1 PM ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland in a crucial Game 3 matchup.