Former top prospect Anderson Espinoza finally pitches after two Tommy John surgeries
Anderson Espinoza is pitching in a game for the first time since 2016.
Two TJ surgeries have sidelined the Padres’ former No.1 prospect.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 18, 2021
When Anderson Espinoza was in the Red Sox system, he was a can’t miss top prospect. The Red Sox traded Espinoza back in 2016 for then Padres starter Drew Pomeranz.
The Red Sox were in need of a starting pitcher. Dave Dombrowski who has a history of trading his top prospects for proven big leaders wanted Pomeranz. When the Red Sox acquired him, it came at a high price.
At the time of the trade, Espinoza was the Red Sox fourth best prospect. He was the number one ranked pitching prospect in baseball too.
The trade worked out for Boston, during Pomeranz time with the Red Sox they won a World Series. However, Pomeranz time in Boston was all rainbows and butterflies. He was inconsistent down the stretch in 2016 after he was traded. This lead to media and fan backlash towards Pomeranz.
Anderson Espinoza, pitching in his first game action in five years, put a 0⃣ on the board for the Padres. pic.twitter.com/fGw1eVLwtq
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 18, 2021
For Espinoza, his post Red Sox career was filledinjuries and surgeries. He had two Tommy John surgeries one in 2017 and the other in 2019. Four years later Espinoza finally took the bump in a big league game. Albeit it was Spring Training, the young prospect was finally on display.
‘21 Spring Debut
Espinoza would take the mound in the seventh inning for the Padres. He started off by getting Frank Schwindel to fly out then gave up a double to Austin Allen. Espinoza retired both Vimael Machin and Pete Kozma via groundout.
The 23-year-old prospect will look for good health as he heads into 2021. The upside for Espinoza is absolutely tantalizing to think about. The Padres will move him along slow to ensure his health first. He may not be a future top of the rotation starter. If he stays healthy and can continue to be a flame thrower, he could be another high-octane flame throwing stud in the Padres bullpen.
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