Former No.1 pick gets closer to big-league dream

Guardians' right-hander Daniel Espino to make Cactus League start after long injury layoff

Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:20pm

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Cleveland Guardians' 2019 first-round draft pick Daniel Espino is inching closer to his big-league debut after missing the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to knee and shoulder surgeries. Espino will make his first Cactus League start on Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, his first time facing major league hitters not wearing a Guardians uniform since 2022.

Why it matters

Espino was once considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, and his long-awaited return to the mound is a significant milestone for both the player and the Guardians organization. After throwing just 5 2/3 professional innings since 2022, Espino's successful comeback could provide a major boost to Cleveland's pitching staff.

The details

Espino's comeback began on September 20, 2025, when he started a game for Triple-A Columbus, pitching two-thirds of an inning. He had tears in his eyes when he left the mound, as it was his first professional game since April 29, 2022. Espino continued to progress in the Arizona Fall League, making four starts and pitching 4 2/3 innings as the Guardians kept him on a strict pitch count. The Guardians are being deliberate with Espino's return, and his role for the 2026 season is still being discussed, with the possibility of him starting in the bullpen to build up his innings.

  • Espino's comeback began on September 20, 2025.
  • Espino will make his first Cactus League start on Sunday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Daniel Espino

A right-handed pitcher and the Cleveland Guardians' first-round draft pick in 2019, who missed the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to knee and shoulder surgeries.

Joe Torres

The Cleveland Guardians' pitching coach.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians.

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What they’re saying

“Daniel is the kind of kid you'd want to adopt as your son. If you had a daughter, you'd want him to marry her.”

— Joe Torres, Guardians Pitching Coach

“Daniel is a healthy pitcher. We're going to be very deliberate with how we build him up. Our medical and pitching teams are always talking to Daniel.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.