The Arizona Fall League can be a difficult place for pitchers, combining the high altitude and the fatigue pitchers can face by the time October and November roll around, the AFL can be a hitters paradise. 2014 Midwest League All-Star Harrison Cooney was looking to rebound after a rough start to his season in the California League with the Inland Empire 66ers. Cooney rebounded in Mesa, throwing in nine games for the Solar Sox, making one start. The right-hander went 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA, throwing in 12.2 innings. Cooney struck out 10, allowing just six hits.

Relief pitcher Greg Mahle has moved up the Angels ladder quickly, finishing the 2015 season in AA Arkansas. Mahle threw in nine games out of the bullpen for the Mesa Solar Sox, striking out 14 batters in 10.1 innings. The side arm reliever went 0-1 with a 9.58 ERA and was selected to play in the Fall-Stars game. Mahl, who spent the end of 2014 with the Burlington Bees, is currently rated as the 12th prospect in the Los Angeles Angels top 30, according to MLB.com. Mahle’s MLB.com prospect report reads:  Mahle will pitch with an average fastball that will touch 92-93 mph on occasion, an average slider and a curve that will be better than average at times. He can even turn his changeup over against right-handed hitters. He’ll drop down to sidearm, making it even tougher to have a comfortable at-bat against him. 

After starting the season in the rotation with AA Arkansas, Alan Busenitz returned to the rotation to finish off the season. In the AFL, Busenitz pitched in 10 games for the Mesa Solar Sox. Busenitz posted a 1-0 record and an 8.74 ERA, throwing 11.1 innings.

Ryan Etsell was a late addition to the Mesa Solar Sox, appearing in four games, making four starts, going 1-3 with a 12.19 ERA. The Philadelphia native struck out five batters in 10.1 innings.