Just don't call it "piggy-backing," but yes, having 3 guys that can go 3-4 IP every 4-5 days really takes the stress off the short guys.
In theory, if you have Sale, Kluber, Paxton, Bello and Pivetta starting, we could add Whitlock and make it 4 long guys:
5 SP
4 Long Men (Whitlock, Houck, Wink, Craw)
4 Shortmen (Jansen, Martin, Schreiber, JRod/Brasier)