Guardians Prospect Daniel Espino Making Progress In Injury Recovery
The Cleveland Guardians’ third-ranked and MLB’s 80th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline did not play in a single game last year.
This was due to undergoing surgery to repair his right shoulder’s anterior capsule this past May.
In fact, he last played in a game on April 29, 2022. He was eventually shut down that day due to knee and shoulder soreness.
However, Daniel Espino is progressing in his recovery from last year’s shoulder surgery.
In a recent video on X, the right-handed starting pitcher is shown throwing a baseball with what appears to be somewhat strong velocity and no significant limitations.
Despite not having pitched in a game in nearly two years, he was selected to the Guardians’ 40-man roster shortly before the 2023 MLB Rule 5 Draft.
Espino, Cleveland’s first-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, turns 23 on Friday. In 133.2 career Minor League innings, ranging from rookie ball through Double-A, he has totaled a 1.06 WHIP, .184 opposing batting average, and 14.88 strikeouts per nine innings.
Akron RubberDucks starting pitcher Daniel Espino throws against the Altoona Curve during the first inning of an MiLB baseball game at Canal Park.
© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
Since it has been a while since his last game played, here is some of MLB Pipeline’s scouting report on him:
“When healthy, Espino can destroy hitters with his top-of-the-scale fastball and plus-plus slider. He operates at 95-98 mph and tops out at 103 with a four-seamer with plenty of arm-side run, and he can use it up in the zone with carry or leverage it lower in the zone with downhill plane. He has good feel for his two-plane slider, showing the ability to work in the mid-80s with increased depth or reaching 93 mph with more horizontal action.”
They also say that he features a low-80s curveball and mid-80s sinking changeup.
With this latest video update, Guardians fans are hoping that Espino can return to game action soon.
