DENVER – It was announced on Monday that quality pitching prospect German Marquez would be returning to the big leagues, joining the rotation in place of Jon Gray on Tuesday. In order to make room for the right-handed starter, the Rockies have optioned right-handed bench bat and utility player Stephen Cardullo.

Cardullo was the lone right-handed outfielder on the roster but the Rockies left-handed outfielders had no trouble hitting lefties to this point. Cardullo’s call down could mean Ian Desmond could be back within a week’s time as he is a righty and may now play the outfield with the resurgence of Reynolds. Cardullo being called down also means the Rockies are back to four on the bench, three of which are utility infielders but they did not have to lose any of them off their 25-man or 40-man roster.

Pat Valaika was the only other guy the Rockies could have optioned down as they are set on an eight-man bullpen. If The Rockies chose to demote Alexi Amarista or Cristhian Adames it would’ve come at the expense of exposing them to other big league teams.

Cardullo is just 4-for-28 in 32 plate appearances this year. His story is a great one, rising from unaffiliated ball to the majors and twice winning a roster spot. He’ll goto Triple-A Albuquerque for the time being.