NL WILD CARD SERIES: PHILLIES VS CARDINALS

October 7, 2022

Aaron Nola

Busch Stadium

Philadelphia Phillies

Pregame Press Conference

Q. Aaron, looking at your walk rates this year, especially has dropped way down. Was that a focus in the off season and how has that helped make you a better pitcher this year?

AARON NOLA: Yeah. It's definitely been a focus every off season. I know in 2019 I had 80 walks, I believe. And that's obviously been the highest of my career. And to me, it's honestly unacceptable. That's just too many free passes on the base pads, and every Spring Training I go in and obviously work on that. And just this year, I really wanted to give myself a chance. Sometimes just challenge them, challenge them in the zone. Obviously don't give them a cookie on the 3-0, 3-1, 3-2 pitch. But wanted to challenge them and not try to give them any free passes.

Q. Yesterday Wheeler was talking about how laid back you are, but he said that Eflin and Wheeler know how to get under your skin. How do they do it?

AARON NOLA: They're pretty laid back too. Nah, they don't get under my skin too much. I mean, we just mess around, just guys being guys. But love competing with those guys. I mean, yeah, I'm pretty laid back. So they are, too. But once they step on the mound, they're not too laid back. Big competitors. I love watching them out on the mound. I've seen Ef for years now, so I know what he's about. I obviously know what Wheels is about, but seeing him come over in 2020, watching from the other side and seeing what he does for our team is pretty special.

Q. Last couple years here as teammates with Zach Wheeler, what have you learned about like what makes him as good as he is? What stands out to you about how he does it?

AARON NOLA: Super electric, obviously. Throws the ball really hard. But for a guy that throws the ball that hard with really good movement on his fastball, spots it up really well. His command with all his pitches is exceptional, and I think that's what really makes him stand out and be as good as he is.

Q. Aaron, with what this team has been through to get to this point, does it feel like that you're more prepared for a post-season appearance than if you hadn't maybe had some of those struggles in September?

AARON NOLA: You talking about the team?

Q. Yes. As a team, yes.

AARON NOLA: Yeah, I mean we had some ups and downs this year for guys going down, Harper and Segura going down, that was a big blow for us, but we had young guys step up and that was huge for us. We got a lot of depth on the bench for our whole team this year. To me, we got more depth than we have in the past, and I think that's what's helped us get to this point now. And it's awesome to be in this position and excited to get it going today.

Q. I just was wondering, I mean they got some big names over there in the St. Louis lineup. How do you attack Arenado and Goldschmidt and Albert?

AARON NOLAN: Gotta try to get ahead of them. Obviously like you said, experienced veteran guys, been in this position before, World Series winners. And gotta try to get ahead of them and execute pitches. I mean, there's really no other way about it. They're smart hitters. So kind of just make the adjustments in the game, see how Wheeler attacks them today. And I mean, the biggest thing is to try to get them out.

Q. Obviously a lot of guys on this team making their post-season debut, you being one of them tomorrow. Does it feel different now that you're here especially given you guys had to keep your foot on the pedal to game 160 of the season?

AARON NOLA: Yeah. It feels good. Feels different. Been on some -- obviously been on the Phillies since 2015, been on some losing teams, of course. And it's obviously not fun. Way more fun being on this side of it, getting into the postseason. Since being here, since '15, every year we've gotten better, and I see it in Spring Training in the clubhouse. Better guys, better talent, and I think we just had to make that last push, and I think we did that this year. And I think it was just a matter of time. And it's awesome to be here, and obviously celebrate to get into the postseason the other day with everybody, especially Ef and Rhys. They've been here the longest. So it's awesome for Wheeler and Segura and J.T., who are making their postseason debut as well. It's awesome for the team, for the organization, for the fanbase to be here. But it starts today, and we're excited, looking forward to today.