It would be exciting although awfully unlikely if we ever see Espino in a game again.
Not quite at the same level, but Justin Campbell was our 2nd round pick and top pitcher drafted in the same year and one round ahead of Messick. He has never pitched an inning professionally and I don't know if he's still under team control or if his career has ended before it ever got under way.
Re: Articles
11147Campbell is 24 by now. His prospect writeup in 2023 preseason
Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55 | Overall: 40
Campbell was a finalist for the John Olerud Award given to NCAA Division I's best two-way player in 2021 before focusing solely on pitching as an Oklahoma State junior last spring. He ranked seventh in D-I with 141 strikeouts in 101 1/3 innings before going 37th overall in the Draft and signing for a below-slot $1.7 million. He has yet to make his pro debut, however, because he had surgery to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve in his pitching elbow in May.
Campbell has two secondary pitches that stand out more than his fastball: a plus upper-70s changeup with plenty of fade and a mid-70s curveball with significant depth. His heater sits at 91-93 mph and occasionally reaches 97, featuring high spin rates and armside run that generate a lot of weak contact. He can mix in a low-80s slider but usually works with three pitches.
Due to his 6-foot-7 frame that creates unusual angle and deceptive delivery, hitters don't see the ball well against Campbell and take a lot of awkward swings against him. Very athletic for his size, he repeats his mechanics and pounds the strike zone. A tough competitor who had one of the highest floors among pitchers in the 2022 Draft, he should become at least a No. 4 starter with the chance for more if the Guardians can work their Shane Bieber magic on him.
Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55 | Overall: 40
Campbell was a finalist for the John Olerud Award given to NCAA Division I's best two-way player in 2021 before focusing solely on pitching as an Oklahoma State junior last spring. He ranked seventh in D-I with 141 strikeouts in 101 1/3 innings before going 37th overall in the Draft and signing for a below-slot $1.7 million. He has yet to make his pro debut, however, because he had surgery to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve in his pitching elbow in May.
Campbell has two secondary pitches that stand out more than his fastball: a plus upper-70s changeup with plenty of fade and a mid-70s curveball with significant depth. His heater sits at 91-93 mph and occasionally reaches 97, featuring high spin rates and armside run that generate a lot of weak contact. He can mix in a low-80s slider but usually works with three pitches.
Due to his 6-foot-7 frame that creates unusual angle and deceptive delivery, hitters don't see the ball well against Campbell and take a lot of awkward swings against him. Very athletic for his size, he repeats his mechanics and pounds the strike zone. A tough competitor who had one of the highest floors among pitchers in the 2022 Draft, he should become at least a No. 4 starter with the chance for more if the Guardians can work their Shane Bieber magic on him.
Re: Articles
11148as of August 2024
Campbell (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery in the spring and won't make his pro debut until at least mid-2025, according to J.J. Cooper of Baseball America.
The Guardians discovered early in spring training that Campbell would need Tommy John surgery. Campbell was on his way back from ulnar transposition surgery in the same elbow and has not yet pitched in a pro game since the Guardians selected him with the No. 37 overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft.
as of June 2025:
Campbell (elbow/wrist) appears on track to begin pitching in games in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League during the first week of July, SI.com reports.
The No. 37 overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft, Campbell has been snakebitten on the health front since being selected and is still waiting to make his professional debut. After previously undergoing nerve decompression surgery on his right elbow in May 2023, Campbell then required Tommy John surgery on the same elbow last April. Additionally, Campbell had another procedure Oct. 1 of last year, when he underwent surgery to address De Quervain tenosynovitis on his right wrist. Campbell looks to be making good progress in his rehab program for the elbow and wrist issues, but given his long layoff, it's fair to expect some rust once he eventually makes his debut in Arizona.
Didn't happen.
Campbell (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery in the spring and won't make his pro debut until at least mid-2025, according to J.J. Cooper of Baseball America.
The Guardians discovered early in spring training that Campbell would need Tommy John surgery. Campbell was on his way back from ulnar transposition surgery in the same elbow and has not yet pitched in a pro game since the Guardians selected him with the No. 37 overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft.
as of June 2025:
Campbell (elbow/wrist) appears on track to begin pitching in games in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League during the first week of July, SI.com reports.
The No. 37 overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft, Campbell has been snakebitten on the health front since being selected and is still waiting to make his professional debut. After previously undergoing nerve decompression surgery on his right elbow in May 2023, Campbell then required Tommy John surgery on the same elbow last April. Additionally, Campbell had another procedure Oct. 1 of last year, when he underwent surgery to address De Quervain tenosynovitis on his right wrist. Campbell looks to be making good progress in his rehab program for the elbow and wrist issues, but given his long layoff, it's fair to expect some rust once he eventually makes his debut in Arizona.
Didn't happen.
Re: Articles
11150BUT Jones is hitting the ball very hard ! (Foul)
Got to hope for a walk every time. Still acts and looks like he can not see the ball. Should cut him loose and bring up Noel for some righthanded help !
There is no way he will ever be a contributing player on this team in the future.
Got to hope for a walk every time. Still acts and looks like he can not see the ball. Should cut him loose and bring up Noel for some righthanded help !
There is no way he will ever be a contributing player on this team in the future.
Re: Articles
11151The Guardians are calling LHP Parker Messick up to The Show!
Messick will make his first start on Wednesday in Arizona, per
@CleGuardPro
Messick will make his first start on Wednesday in Arizona, per
@CleGuardPro