The Cleveland Guardians have announced their pitching plans for Wednesday’s Game 3. Well, partially, at least: right-hander Daniel Espino will be the ‘opener’ against the Chicago White Sox. That’s all we know.
How long will he go? Will the Guardians use a bulk reliever after him, or will they go with a traditional set of relievers? The answer to those questions remains a mystery, and while we have some guesses, only the game itself will provide them.
For what it’s worth, manager Stephen Vogt feels confident in giving the ball to Espino to start the Guardians’ improbable comeback.
“Just looking at what’s in front of us, and, obviously, he’s done a great job opening. With all the options in the bullpen, felt like giving the ball to Daniel was the right call. I know not everybody knows his story. Missing three years. Waiting to get to this point—to get back on the mound in game action, let alone make his Major League debut, and now here he is starting a playoff game. You bet on the person in times like this, and obviously we’ve seen his stuff. But what Daniel’s been through, there’s nothing that’s going to rattle him or shake him. We’re really excited for Daniel to be getting the ball tomorrow,” Vogt said.
"You bet on the person in times like this, and obviously we've seen his stuff. But what Daniel's been through, there's nothing that's going to rattle him or shake him"
(Via MLB Video) #Guardians Stephen Vogt on naming Daniel Espino as Cleveland's starter for Game 3 and his… pic.twitter.com/zN8Cb0xePd
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) October 6, 2026
Espino didn’t hide his excitement after getting the nod for Game 3, and he knows the importance of this do-or-die affair for Cleveland more than anyone. It’s also a nice achievement for him, knowing the long months of surgeries, pain, tears, sweat, and rehab he had to endure.
The talented Espino posted a 4.11 ERA in 15.1 innings for the Guardians this year. He did walk seven, so that’s a tad higher than he would want it to be, but he also struck out 25 batters. At times, he looked overpowering, blowing past hitters with his 100-mph heat and his improving breaking stuff.
So, why did Vogt go with Espino when he has Tanner Bibee, Foster Griffin, and Joey Cantillo available? Well, mainly because he is on a roll, having allowed just four earned runs since June 30, with a 2.77 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 13 innings since that day, but also because of his mentality.
Just the fact that he’s pitching at the highest level and still touching the triple digits is a small miracle for Espino, after having to go under the knife twice to repair his shoulder. Vogt knows he has the mentality to face adversity and bounce back.
Espino is expected to pitch an inning or two, and then the Guardians’ bullpen will take over.
NEXT: Analyst Isn't Feeling Confident About Guardians' Game 3 Plans
