Daniel Espino is finally entering spring training with something he hasn’t had in years: a clean bill of health and a shot to compete.
For the Cleveland Guardians, that’s more than just good news - it’s a potential turning point.
Espino, once one of the most electrifying arms in the minor leagues, has spent the better part of the last few seasons stuck on the sidelines. Shoulder injuries have kept him from building any kind of rhythm since 2021, turning what should’ve been a steady rise through the system into a frustrating cycle of rehab and setbacks.
But this spring, for the first time in a long time, he’s not showing up to Arizona with a rehab plan. He’s showing up to pitch.
And that matters - a lot.
The Guardians are still going to be cautious. They know how long it’s been since Espino last pitched regularly, and they’re not about to rush a guy who hasn’t logged a full season in years. But the fact that he’s coming into camp as a competitor, not a patient, is a major step forward for both the pitcher and the organization.
Let’s rewind for a second. When Espino was healthy, his stuff turned heads.
We’re talking about a fastball that lives in the upper 90s and a slider that made hitters look overmatched. He had the kind of arsenal that screamed “future ace” - or at the very least, a high-leverage weapon out of the bullpen.
Scouts weren’t just intrigued; they were excited.
But the injuries kept piling up. Shoulder issues robbed him of innings, development time, and momentum.
And for a young pitcher, especially one with premium velocity, that kind of stop-start trajectory can be brutal. You lose more than just time - you lose feel, command, and confidence.
That’s why this spring is so important.
Espino doesn’t need to break camp in the Guardians’ rotation. He doesn’t need to dominate from day one.
What he needs - and what Cleveland needs - is for him to be on the mound consistently. To build innings.
To get back into a rhythm. To finally start writing the next chapter of a career that’s been stuck in neutral for far too long.
He’s still got one minor league option left, which gives the Guardians some flexibility. They don’t have to rush him.
They can let him find his footing in Triple-A if that’s what it takes. But make no mistake - if Espino can stay healthy, he’s still one of the most intriguing arms in the system.
The stuff hasn’t gone anywhere. Now it’s just about availability.
And for the first time in years, that’s not a pipe dream. It’s a real possibility.