Daniel Espino

That's kind of important if you're a pitcher.

The question here is, what does this do to Daniel Espino and his role? Stephen Vogt mentioned, hey, this was by design that they pitched him back-to-back, that they pitched him as an opener, that they pitched him in leverage.

He's pitched all over that bullpen.

He's acquired a lot of experience.

Well, and don't forget, they haven't named a game three starter.

I guess they don't really have to, but there are options.

Tanner Bybee is an option, Foster Griffin an option, and Daniel Espino is an opener, followed by Joey Cantillo, which has been a pretty good combination over the last month.

Uh, that's still an option that's in play.

And I just wonder what that's going to translate to in Steven Vogt's mind.

As far as who that ninth inning sort of substitute could be if Cade Smith gets used earlier in a game, Daniel Espino has shown that he's been able to come in and get big outs.

And he's got the kind of stuff that might translate to being able to pitch in that role.

in a pinch.

[laughs]

... uh, Daniel Espino and, uh, Joey Cantillo.

Cantillo following Espino has pitched, like, 15 scoreless innings, uh-

Mm-hmm

since coming in after the opener and the role that he's been in.

But really, Daniel Espino has elevated himself.

Should Daniel Espino be getting leverage innings as we're moving forward? Because this is a guy, you're short without Colin Holderman, who's been dealing with the bad wrist, and he hasn't been available.

You know, Espino really has sort of been the guy that they've turned to to get some big outs.

Yeah.

I did think it was fitting.

We talked about the fact that it was Daniel Espino starting the playoff berth clincher after everything he's been through.

And...

Also fitting for this team that the guy who was booted from your rotation at the trade deadline and slayed Ciccone is the one shutting the door in your division clinching win.

Here's a good one to think about.

I'm going to plant this seed right now.

What would you think about Daniel Espino if he were offered the opportunity to pitch in back-to-back games? Oh, wait, he did it.

And as I tweeted, it felt like when you unlock a character in a game.

Suarez this year.

Meanwhile, on the mound for the Guardians, it was Daniel Espino in that opener role again, and he did the job in the first inning before turning it over to Joey Cantillo.

Cantillo from the set.

Here it comes.

So many great, great Hall of Fame caliber players and Hall of Famers play here.

I

mean Daniel Espino set the tone with the first inning.

Yeah he did.