Guardians adjust pitching staff, DFA RHP Cal Quantrill

The Cleveland Guardians designated right-hander Cal Quantrill for assignment on Tuesday, opening a spot on the 40-man roster.

The Guardians opened a second spot on the 40-man with a DFA of right-hander Michael Kelly. The moves opened spots for right-handers Cade Smith and Daniel Espino, who Cleveland needed to protect from the Rule 5 draft next month.

Quantrill, 28, started 73 games for the Guardians over the past three seasons, but in 19 starts this past season, he was 4-7 with a 5.24 ERA. It was a sharp decline from 2022, when Quantrill was 15-5 with a 3.38 ERA in 32 starts.

In 132 appearances (94 starts) over five seasons with the San Diego Padres and Guardians, Quantrill is 35-23 with a 3.83 ERA.

Kelly, 31, made 18 combined relief appearances with the Guardians and Philadelphia Phillies over the past two seasons, going 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA.