The Cleveland Guardians have had an up-and-down Spring Training thus far and are 4-5 heading into Sunday’s split-squad games. There’s a lot left to figure out before Opening Day, but that’s the fun part of this process and every day is a new opportunity for somebody to prove themselves.
A lot of the focus has been on the offense after last year’s abysmal .225 team batting average, and rightfully so. There are a few spots in the lineup up for grabs with some high-upside prospects working to solidify them, but the pitching staff has plenty of intriguing talents as well that can’t be forgotten about.
Cade Cracas of Sports Illustrated provided a little update on X ahead of Sunday’s split-squad game. He let Guardians fans know that Gavin Williams will be starting against the Colorado Rockies and young fireballer Daniel Espino will start against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Gavin Williams will get the start for the #Guardians against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. First pitch set for 3:05 p.m. EST. Daniel Espino will get the start for the other squad as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. First pitch set for 3:10 p.m. EST,” Cracas wrote.
Gavin Wiliams will get the start for the #Guardians against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.
First pitch set for 3:05 p.m. EST.
Daniel Espino will get the start for the other squad as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.
First pitch set for 3:10 p.m. EST. #GuardsSpring
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) March 1, 2026
The outfield is the most unsettled part of the roster at the moment and will require a lot of Stephen Vogt’s input, but the rotation also has six pitchers fighting for five spots as well. Williams’ spot is secure, and while Espino isn’t in the mix for a rotation spot, he could undoubtedly factor into the bullpen at some point this season.
He has gone through some debilitating injuries that have severely hampered his standing within the farm system, but he is healthy now and that fastball is still firmly in the triple digits. It’s unclear what sort of role the team is envisioning for him, but that fastball would play exceptionally well out of the bullpen in a setup role for Cade Smith.
Many signs point to Espino being a major X-factor for this team in 2026. Smith will assume Emmanuel Clase’s role as closer, but nobody has settled in to assume Smith’s old role as the setup man.
It’s just one Spring Training start, but it’s hard not to get excited. The kid is finally here, and this is the most exciting subplot on the pitching staff ahead of the regular season.
NEXT: George Valera Continues Hot Start In Spring Training
