From the Daily News Now Network, this is Cleveland Guardians News Today. Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. Daniel Espino is closing in on his Major League return after more than three years away from the mound. The Guardians' top pick from 2019 missed all of 2023 and 2024 due to knee and shoulder surgeries.
He finally took the hill again on September 20, 2025, tossing just two-thirds of an inning for AAA Columbus. His family traveled from Panama to watch that emotional first outing. Espino kept building innings in the Arizona Fall League with four starts and a tight pitch count. On Sunday, he starts for a split squad against Arizona in Scottsdale, facing big league hitters from another team for the first time.
Coaches call him healthy and ready, but they're moving slow to ramp him up day by day. With so few innings lately, the team is talking about shifting him from starter to reliever role. Reece Hoskins made his Cactus League debut Friday versus the Cubs after signing a minor league deal worth $1.5 million if he makes. The roster plus incentives.
The 32-year-old struck out twice but drew a walk on a challenge call, kick-starting a five-run inning. Meanwhile, Stephen Kwan is training in center field and stayed home for road games to focus on the switch. Tanner Bybee starts Saturday against the White Sox at 3.05 p.m., while outfielder Chase DeLotter remains day-to-day with lower body soreness. Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode, Headphones in a Pillow.
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