MARK SCHMETZER
Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cleveland Indians optioned right-handed pitcher Danny Salazar to Triple-A Columbus following his 8-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Right-handed pitcher C.C. Lee was recalled from Columbus.

Salazar is 4-5 with a 4.88 ERA in 12 starts for Cleveland this season. He won his last three starts before allowing five runs on two home runs in four innings at Cincinnati on Wednesday.

The Indians want to give Salazar a break and strengthen the bullpen, manager Terry Francona said.

“We’ve got some off days coming up. This will give him an extra day of rest,” Francona said. “We’re trying to cover a lot of things. We knew we wanted to give Danny a (rest), and this is the best time to do it.”

Lee is 0-0 with a 4.26 ERA in 15 games with Cleveland this season.

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