Guards are expected to remember right-handers Daniel Espino for his MLB debut, reports Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Espino is already on the 40-man roster, so only a 26-man move would be required.
It’s been a long journey to the big leagues for Espino. The 25-year-old has missed almost all of the past three seasons due to injury. After not pitching at all in 2023 and 2024, Espino returned to the mound in one Triple-A appearance last year.
Espino was among the top prospects in Cleveland’s organization after being selected in the first round of the 2019 draft. MLB Pipeline has him ranked No. 5 in the program heading into the 2020 campaign. Eric Longenhagen of FanGraphs had Espino seventh that year. The wrong ones, once Triston McKenzie again James Karinchakit was among the most promising weapons in the organization at the time.
By skipping the 2020 minor league season, Espino didn’t get a full year of pro ball until 2021. He was good in 20 starts split between Single-A and High-A. Espino recorded a career-high 40.5% strikeout rate with an ERA under 4.00 over 91 2/3 frames. He jumped to Double-A and continued to hit the minor leagues at a ridiculous clip. Espino posted a 51.5% strikeout rate in four starts against Akron.
Injury problems began for Espino in 2022. His campaign was cut short due to knee and shoulder concerns. Despite throwing just 18 1/3 innings, Espino entered the 2023 season as the top consensus prospect in the keeper’s system. He has been heralded as one of the best young arms yet to play in the majors. As he prepares for the 2023 season, Espino felt a resurgence in his shoulder. The injury eventually required surgery. Additional procedures on his right arm could cost Espino all of 2024 and most of 2025.
Espino has moved into a bullpen role this season. He played 22 games in Triple-A, all but one of which came as a reliever. Espino posted 18 2/3 innings of a 5.30 ERA with Columbus. He maintained solid strikeout numbers, striking out Triple-A opponents at a 33.3% clip.
The Rangers opened the year with a Rule 5 pick Peyton Pallette in a long-term release role. He has since been returned to the White Sox. Espino hasn’t had an appearance longer than an inning with the Clippers, so it’s unlikely he’ll fill that role. Cleveland’s top team is solid Kade Smith, Hunter Gaddisagain Shawn Armstrong managing the late innings. Espino has the hitting skills to join the mix, but he’s likely to start in lower-rated spots.
Photo courtesy of Samantha Madar of the Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Images
