The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a strong postseason run, with Orion Kerkering emerging as a pivotal late-inning option for manager Rob Thomson. The 24-year-old has already notched two saves, showcasing his composure under pressure. Kerkering reflects on his nerves during games, especially contrasting a high-stakes postseason appearance against his first major league save. He reveals that the adrenaline is palpable when stepping into the closer's role, often thinking about the entrances that iconic closers like Edwin Díaz have made.

Kerkering's journey has been influenced by Roy Halladay, who coached him in his youth, emphasizing a focus on sticking to personal strengths. This mindset has helped develop his unique sweeper pitch, which he recognized as a game-changer during his teenage years. He aims to balance fun with professionalism in the bullpen, channeling a youthful energy to engage his older teammates, further enhancing the camaraderie as they prepare for a potentially thrilling postseason.