Guardians Provide Updates on Shane Bieber & Daniel Espino

The Cleveland Guardians head into 2025 with high expectations after winning the AL Central for the second time in three years. But, the Guardians will have a different-looking team, thanks to offseason moves and injuries. On February 14, Cleveland provided health updates on several injured players, including David Fry, Shane Bieber, and prospect Daniel Espino.

Arguably the most notable update provided on February 14 was on Shane Bieber, who had two excellent starts to begin the year before requiring Tommy John surgery in April. The Guardians stated he’s continued to progress, as he’s able to throw five days a week and toss from 120 feet.

Cleveland stated that Bieber will “initiate” his mound progression in mid-February.

Bieber was a free agent after 2024. But after missing virtually all of the year and staring at the prospect of not getting a long-term deal, Bieber took a one-year, $14MM deal to return in December. The contract also comes with a player option for 2026.

Additionally, updates on other injured pitchers were provided.

Sam Hentges is five months past his right shoulder anterior capsule repair and will return to throw progression in March. The expected timetable for his injury is 12-14 months, meaning Hentges is likely not an option this season. Trevor Stephan, who also had UCL reconstruction last year, is progressing on a path similar to Bieber and will likely get to mound progression sometime this month.

The Guardians did get additional pitching depth for their bullpen on February 13, when reports circulated the team added ex-Giant pitcher Jakob Junis. Junis, who spent 2024 between the Brewers and Reds, struck out 51 over 67 innings and a .85 WHIP.

Junis will join the recently-signed Paul Sewald, acquired back in January.

An update was also given on Daniel Espino, the hard-throwing prospect who hasn’t thrown a pitch since 2022, thanks to numerous injuries. Espino is 11 months past his surgery to repair the right shoulder anterior capsule. He’s expected to be activated at the 16-18 month marker, meaning Espino likely won’t return until later in the summer.

Espino last pitched in 2022 with Double-A Akron. The 24-year-old has 221 career MiLB strikeouts over 133.2 IP.

Lastly, utilityman David Fry is still recovering after a right ulnar collateral ligament revision in October. Fry will see Dr. Keith Meister in March to determine next steps. He initially had a six-to-eight month timetable for recovery.