Stephen Vogt excited by former No. 1 pick’s progress from surgery: Guardians takeways

GOODYEAR, Arizona — Daniel Espino, the Guardians’ No. 1 pick in 2019, pitches for a living and is built like an MMA fighter.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to do much pitching over the last two years. He missed all of last season after undergoing surgery in May on his right shoulder to repair the anterior capsule. In 2022 he pitched just 18 1/2 innings because of right shoulder and right knee injuries.

MLB.com still ranked him as Cleveland’s No. 3 prospect going into this season.

Manager Stephen Vogt recently watched Espino throw and came away encouraged.

“I watched him throw the other day and it was so fun,” said Vogt. “He’s looking good. I had a similar surgery than him about the same time of year. I was watching him throw and gave me some flashbacks.

“He’s worked hard to get to this point and he’s progressing really well. Now it’s about trusting the training staff that they can put a great progression together to get him back as soon as possible, but to do it safely.”

Vogt said there is no timetable for Espino’s return.

Espino is listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. When he walks, he ripples.

“He’s a specimen,” said Vogt. “He’s worked extremely hard in his rehab and you can tell. He looks good in a uniform. He looks strong and agile. He’s trending very well.”

Right-hander James Karinchak has been shut down with a tired right shoulder. He played catch on Monday, and Vogt said he’s making progress.

Walk softly and listen

Vogt said his goal as Cleveland’s manager is not to turn the organization upside down.

“I felt very fortunate walking into this situation,” he said. “It wasn’t like we had to do a 180 and the organization was changing direction.

“A legend (Terry Francona) stepped out. I was inheriting a great situation. It’s, ‘Let’s come in and find out how everything works. Then we can look for areas where we can enhance it moving forward.’

“But we didn’t need to change a ton. That was the beauty of it.”

Stay close

Vogt said he’s going to rely heavily on pitching coach Carl Willis, one of the few holdovers from Francona’s staff from last year.

“I grabbed him the other day and and locked arms with him,” said Vogt. “I told him, ‘This is going to be me during the game. I’m going to hold your hand.’ I don’t have to think twice about where our pitching is.

“I just ask Carl. Ultimately, it will be my decision. I know that, but leaning on Carl with all his experiences. He’s seen everything and forgotten more than I I’ve seen. Having him as a resource, I feel I’m in good hands.”

This will be Willis’ seventh straight year as Cleveland’s pitching coach and his 14th overall. His first tour in Cleveland was as Eric Wedge’s pitching coach from 2003 through 2009.

Pain in the back

Vogt is glad he no longer has to try and figure how to get Steven Kwan out as Cleveland’s leadoff hitter.

“He’s a pain in the back,” said Vogt. “Anyone who can control the strike zone like that and have elite back-to-ball skills is tough to get out. On top of that, he can impact the baseball if you make mistake.

“He never gets too big with his swing. He doesn’t try to do too much. He’s a very tough hitter to get out. I’m just really glad we’re on the same side because the way he sets the tone for the rest of the lineup is something pretty special.”

Buckle up

The train starts pulling out of the station Tuesday as the Guardians go through their first full-squad workout of the spring.

Vogt is scheduled to give his state-of-the-Guards address before the team takes the field.

The Guardians’ first Cactus League game will be Saturday against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.

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