Cleveland Guardians prospect Daniel Espino shows positive strides in his recovery from injury.
In a recent video on X, the third-ranked prospect in Cleveland, Daniel Espino, demonstrates promising advancements in his rehabilitation following surgery on his throwing shoulder.
The third-ranked prospect in the Cleveland Guardians and MLB’s 80th-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, was sidelined for the entire previous season. Daniel Espino had to undergo surgery in May to address the anterior capsule in his right shoulder. His last game was on April 29, 2022, where he was sidelined due to knee and shoulder soreness. Despite this setback, there are positive signs in Daniel Espino’s recovery from the shoulder surgery.
A recent video on X showcases the right-handed starting pitcher throwing a baseball with what seems to be considerable velocity and without notable limitations.
#Guardians 22yr old RHP prospect Daniel Espino putting in some work today back home in Panama. Amazing to see how hard Espino is throwing after undergoing shoulder surgery last May & given a 12-14 month timetable for a return. He looks to be way ahead of schedule. Still look for… pic.twitter.com/CPd6oq1Bvo
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 3, 2024
Despite being inactive in game action for almost two years, he earned a spot on the Cleveland Guardians’ 40-man roster just before the 2023 MLB Rule 5 Draft.
Drafted in the first round by Cleveland in the 2019 MLB Draft, Daniel Espino will turn 23 on Friday. Throughout his Minor League career, spanning from rookie ball to Double-A in 133.2 innings, he boasts impressive statistics, including a 1.06 WHIP, a .184 opposing batting average, and an impressive 14.88 strikeouts per nine innings. As it has been a while since his last game, here are some highlights from 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.”
The scouting report also notes that he possesses a low-80s curveball and a mid-80s sinking changeup.
Given this recent video update, supporters of the Cleveland Guardians are optimistic that Espino will make a swift return to active play.
