Washington Nationals: First win worth the wait for Paolo Espino

Paolo Espino had to imagine that his major league career would be in full swing by this point. The Washington Nationals pitcher had originally been drafted by the Indians in the 10th round of the 2006 MLB Draft, back as a 19 year old coming out of high school. He was able to reach Triple-A by 2010, getting seven games in Columbus. Espino seemed to be on the cusp of the majors.

Instead, he struggled in that first taste of Triple-A, and ended up starting the following year in Double-A once more. He would get another promotion, but was stuck in Cleveland’s system. Espino would bounce to the Cubs as a minor league free agent, but was released before the season began. From there, he would go to the Nationals, Brewers, Rangers, back to the Brewers, and finally, to the Nationals.

Paolo Espino finally staying with Washington Nationals

Through that time, Espino was essentially minor league depth, finally staying in Triple-A in 2015. He had two brief trials in the majors, a total of 30 innings over 14 games with the Brewers, Rangers, and Nationals, where he posted a 5.70 ERA and a 1.433 WHiP. Although he struck out 27 batters with just 12 walks, Espino also allowed eight homers, seemingly proving that he was just a depth piece.

Finally, at 34 years old, Espino has stuck in the majors. He has been a solid piece in a Nationals’ bullpen that has needed the help, posting a 2.78 ERA and a 0.838 WHiP in his 22.2 innings, striking out 19 batters with three walks entering Wednesday. When Max Scherzer went down, Washington turned to the well traveled minor league veteran to fill that spot.

On Wednesday, Espino was able to accomplish something that he had been dreaming of for years. He threw five shutout innings as the Nationals’ starter, allowing just three hits while striking out two batters. The bullpen held on for the final four innings in the 3-1 victory, giving Espino his first major league win 15 years after he was drafted.

In that moment, it was all worth it. All of those bus rides, and the years bouncing around the minors, wondering if he would ever get that call. Then, getting those two brief trials, and wondering if he would ever be able to stick in the majors. Not only has he been able to do that in Washington, but he has also finally gotten that first win as well.

Paolo Espino had to wonder if this day would ever come. The Washington Nationals pitcher has finally notched his first major league win.