The Cleveland Guardians got a dose of good news when heralded pitching prospect Daniel Espino was able to overcome a long history of injuries to make his MLB debut this month. Now, another oft-injured pitcher is having his perseverance rewarded in the minor leagues.
Justin Campbell was a second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, but he did not make his professional debut until this season. He is showing that his time on the sidelines has not diminished his major league future.
The Guardians’ pitching prospect looks to have completed his incredible comeback journey, excelling in his most recent outing for Double-A Akron.
“Campbell’s story is a remarkable one having not pitched in a game since his last appearance for Oklahoma State in 2022 to making his pro debut this season in 2026. 1397 Days, 3 years 9 months 28 days,” Guardians Prospective posted.
Campbell's story is a remarkable one having not pitched in a game since his last appearance for Oklahoma State in 2022 to making his pro-debut this season in 2026.
1397 Days
3 years 9 months 28 days https://t.co/0g7Rp1xXFc
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 26, 2026
Facing Richmond on Thursday, Campbell threw 3.2 innings, allowing four hits, one run, two walks, and four strikeouts. The right-hander threw 82 pitches, 46 for strikes.
After being drafted at No. 37 overall, Campbell had nerve decompression surgery on his right elbow in May 2023, Tommy John surgery in April 2024, and right wrist surgery in October 2024, before suffering a setback in July 2025. He finally got back on the mound on April 2 for Single-A+ Lake County.
Campbell started six games there, though he was limited to just 15.0 innings to begin his comeback. He gave up nine hits and four runs, posting an 0-1 record with a 2.40 ERA and 22 strikeouts with just five walks and a .167 batting average against.
The 25-year-old was promoted to Akron and made his debut for them on May 8. In nine Double-A starts, he is 1-2 with a .270 ERA. In 36.2 innings, he has allowed 24 hits and 12 runs with 44 strikeouts, 22 walks, and a .185 batting average against.
Though he has yet to pitch more than five innings in any of his outings, based on his performance so far, Campbell has likely reestablished himself as one of the Guardians’ top pitching prospects. Analyst Cade Cracas recently listed him as No. 4 among them, behind Khal Stephen at No. 1, Espino at No. 2, and Austin Peterson at No. 3. Braylon Doughty is at No. 5.
If Campbell were able to make it to the majors this season, it would be one of the top stories in the game this year.
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