Guardians Prospect Is Making Early Case To Help Bullpen In 2026

Cleveland Guardians prospect Daniel Espino is a starting pitcher. He was developed as one, and that’s his true role long-term if health can cooperate. It’s fair to say that, so far in his career, it hasn’t.

Since first reporting shoulder woes in 2022, Espino has had two separate surgeries in the area, in 2023 and 2024, plus other ailments that kept him sidelined from 2022 until late 2025.

As a result, the Guardians are currently using him as a relief pitcher in Triple-A. In a perfect world, without injuries, Espino is good enough to be a starter, but the bullpen might be his home for the entire 2026 campaign.

So far, Espino has pitched 5.2 innings with the Columbus Clippers in Triple-A, posting a brilliant 1.59 ERA and looking excellent in the process. Since relievers usually have a clearer, faster path to the majors, there is a chance Espino helps the 2026 Guardians.

Prospect analyst Justin Lada loves what he is seeing from Espino stuff-wise, and Statcast does, too.

“So he allowed a solo homer tonight. But Daniel Espino is back. It’s mostly unfathomable that he survived two shoulder surgeries and 3 years from pitching to come back to these kinda numbers,” he posted on X.

So he allowed a solo homer tonight.
But Daniel Espino is back. It's mostly unfathomable that he survived two shoulder surgeries and 3 years from pitching to come back to these kinda numbers. pic.twitter.com/TAOZnecblk

— Justin L. (jlbaseball on bluesky) (@JL_Baseball) April 17, 2026

Espino was once a consensus top 100 prospect in baseball, back when his shoulder was perfectly healthy. Back then, he could touch 102 or 103 mph on a good day, with filthy secondaries and the stamina of a starter.

Now, the Guardians prefer to use him as a reliever instead of forcing his surgically-repaired shoulder to toss 90+ pitches every five days again. It’s unclear if he will be a starter or a bullpen piece over the long haul, but right now, if he keeps this up, Espino could strengthen an already solid bullpen, giving the unit more depth.

In addition to his 1.59 ERA in Triple-A and the triple-digit velocity, Espino has struck out six hitters and walked just two. It’s not crazy to think that, if he keeps this up for a few more weeks, he will be called up to become a high-leverage guy in Cleveland.

It’s his dream, and the thing that keeps him motivated.