One Of Top Pitching Prospects In Baseball Shut Down Yet Again

Another tough break for one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. The Cleveland Guardians have announced that their No. 1 prospect, right-hander Daniel Espino, has been shut down due to recurring shoulder soreness.

Daniel Espino started to experience some setbacks with his shoulder. He’s been shut down and is planning to visit with a doctor.

— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) April 23, 2023

Around about two months ago Espino suffered a subscapularis strain and an anterior capsule tear in the shoulder, and was shut down then. Now, just as he was ramping up again, shoulder soreness and inflammation will keep him out of action yet again.

It's possible that the 22-year-old—who was being counted on to provide some help on the major league staff at some point this season—could be facing an even longer layoff after visiting with doctors once again.  

Last year, shoulder troubles kept Espino out for much of the minor league season, and he only managed to get in four starts at Double-A. But those four outings were absolutely electric. He struck out 17.2 batters per nine (yes, you read that correctly), with a 35:4 K/BB ratio in 18.1 innings. He posted a 2.45 ERA with an 0.71 WHIP. 

The young hurler was the Guards' first-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft (24th overall), and has posted stunning strikeout numbers in the minors. 

Unfortunately, his progress will be hampered once again, and the Guardians are hoping for the best with his newest upcoming diagnosis. 

Photo; Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK