CLEVELAND – Chris Paddack’s stay with the Rangers was effective.

In the middle of a 15-game stretch without an off day, the Rangers needed an extra starter-length arm to be able to buy an extra rest day as maintenance for Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and MacKenzie Gore. Paddack, who had taken free agency from Cincinnati after he was outrighted to the minors a week ago, joined the Rangers late Sunday night, pitched four innings behind opener Tyler Alexander in a 6-3 win and was gone by the time the Rangers showed up for Tuesday’s game.

“We didn’t need another starter for that spot for a while, but we needed an extra arm for where our bullpen is at right now,” manager Skip Schumaker said. “Collyer was the play because he’s been doing well and he’s been up here before.

“But I’ve known [Paddack] for a while and have a built-in relationship and he came up here, provided us quality innings and then having to tell him the next day was one of the more challenging conversations I’ve had. He’s a Texas native and wearing Texas on his jersey means something. So, hopefully, we can have him back.”

If Paddack, 30, clears waivers, the Rangers would like to keep him as a depth option at Triple-A, but he could also elect free agency again. Round Rock, however, would likely present as attractive an option in the minor leagues as possible for the Austin native, who still resides in the area.

With off days on Friday and Monday and then the All-Star Break after next week, the Rangers are better able to manage the rotation going forward. They still have Winston Santos available to pitch as a long reliever.

Cal Quantrill, who has allowed a run in six innings over two outings on this road trip, will step into the No. 5 spot in the rotation. Quantrill is likely to start over the weekend against Detroit. He was able to extend his pitch count to 55 in his outing at Toronto on Sunday and could extend up to 70-75 pitches in his next outing. That would give him a legitimate shot at completing five innings.

The Rangers could, however, use an extra arm to work the middle innings. Jakob Junis, who had to leave Monday’s game with heat exhaustion, is expected to be able to avoid the IL, but the Rangers have worked him hard lately and he can struggle to recover well enough to pitch on back-to-back days.  

Collyer, 25, had worked in that role for the Rangers earlier this year, compiling a 3.71 ERA in 18 games before being optioned to Triple-A Round Rock. Since going to Round Rock, he’s struck out 13 in 91/3 innings and compiled a 2.89 ERA. He has, however, walked 11 batters.  

Chris Martin, who had been the Rangers’ first choice as closer, is expected to begin his rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday and could become another option for the Rangers before the All-Star break.