The Guardians optioned lefty Joey Cantillo to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday, creating a sudden opening in their starting rotation as the season enters the stretch run. Cantillo was slated to start for the Guardians on Wednesday against the D-backs.

CLEVELAND -- The Guardians recalled left-hander Tim Herrin and optioned lefty Joey Cantillo to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday. The 28-year-old Herrin was 4-2 with a 4.06 ERA in 39 games this season with the Guardians. He had been optioned to Columbus two weeks ago.

T he bullpen used to be a place where failed starters would go to kickstart their career or provide a path for a bounce-back. Mariano Rivera started 10 games for the Yankees in his rookie season. John Smoltz and Derek Lowe had strong seasons as starting pitchers before late-career moves to the bullpen.