Joe Ariola is making up for lost time in the Arizona Fall League

Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Joe Ariola is using the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost developmental time following an early-season elbow injury. After loose bone spurs sidelined him until July, the left-hander rapidly ascended through the system, advancing from Low-A Visalia to Double-A Amarillo, where he helped secure the Texas League Championship. Across 21 regular-season outings, he posted a 1.56 ERA and 1.04 WHIP.

Now pitching for the Salt River Rafters, Ariola is focusing on limiting the running game while learning from other prospects and reuniting with former college teammate Sean Sullivan. Relying primarily on a 93-95 mph fastball and a sharp 12-6 curveball, the reliever aims to refine his mechanics ahead of spring training.