A few weeks ago, on June 12, the Cleveland Guardians called up Daniel Espino, their best pitching prospect, even though he probably wasn’t quite ready for the majors. They wanted him to get his feet wet against big league hitters and perhaps see if he could earn his place.
It wasn’t meant to be, though, at least not right now. Espino, who missed the better part of the last three years while rehabbing from multiple shoulder surgeries and other ailments, has been optioned to Triple-A.
Another exciting rookie, Franco Aleman, will be taking his place on the roster. Tim Stebbins, who covers the Guardians on a daily basis, reported the news.
“The Guardians have recalled Franco Aleman and optioned Daniel Espino to Triple-A Columbus,” Stebbins said.
The Guardians have recalled Franco Aleman and optioned Daniel Espino to Triple-A Columbus.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) July 3, 2026
Espino didn’t show the consistency that today’s game requires from high-leverage relievers, but he was far from a disaster. Instead, he leaves the roster now, but the Guardians got a really good impression about his stuff, work ethic, demeanor, and ability to make adjustments. In fact, he had strung together two straight scoreless outings before this decision.
In other words, Espino could be up later in the year if there’s a need and if he manages to improve a bit in Columbus. He leaves the MLB roster with a 5.40 ERA in five innings, adding nine strikeouts but three walks. His 3.91 FIP suggests better days are ahead, even if the sample is really small.
Aleman had been deserving of a call-up for weeks, even months. He already got a taste of MLB baseball a few weeks ago, when he pitched 2.2 frames and left a 3.38 ERA.
The flamethrowing right-hander has done nothing but dominate in Triple-A this year. He is sporting a microscopic 0.32 ERA in 28.1 innings with a 1.59 FIP, walking seven and fanning 43 hitters.
If the Guardians give Aleman a legit chance and not just a brief call-up, he has the potential to develop into a reliable high-leverage weapon. He can touch the triple digits with his heater and also throws a wipeout slider.
Two of the most talented pitchers on the Guardians are exchanging places and roles now. In the future, however, they will both be key cogs in the bullpen.
NEXT: Brayan Rocchio Reveals Guardians' True Identity
