The team used his spot to bring up outfielder Jonathan Van Every from Triple-A Pawtucket, but as we know, that's not the real story. The real story for fantasy fans is Bartolo Colon! He looked sharp in his most recent outing in Triple-A. More on him shortly.

Buchholz bent the fingernail all the way and had to tear it off. The finger was tender and it showed as he was lit up last Monday in 4 1/3 innings. He gave up eight hits, seven runs (all earned) and five bases on balls. He's been inconsistent this season, looking outstanding in some performances and like an overmatched rookie in others. On average he's lasted 5 1/3 innings per start this year and was shown the door during his last two starts before completing the fifth inning. This shows his one key weakness, which is stamina.

He has talent and potential, as his no-hitter last September showed. Some view him as having the best curveball on the team. However, he was never someone you were drafting this year to be a stalwart player despite some solid performances.

Buchholz has four pitches; the fastball (four-seam, two-seam), a slider and a pair of out pitches - a changeup (both straight and circle) and his hard breaking curveball. His curveball is his best pitch, and his fastball is viewed as outstanding. A key strength is his capacity to maintain both his composure and his control. He doesn't get rattled and force the issue.

His future is bright, but he had only pitched eight games in Triple-A before this season. He needs to build stamina, as he was left off the postseason roster last year because of a dead arm. His current play also shows it's an issue. Buchholz also needs to mix up his pitches as well. All his weaknesses can be overcome with seasoning, so expect him to become a fantasy hit before it's all said and done.

Were there expectations put on Buchholz from fantasy owners? Of course there were! His no-hitter put him on the map, or at least the fantasy map. While many fantasy owners tried to be realistic with him entering the season, there was always the hope he could be lightning in a bottle. That hasn't come to be, and we now know why he wasn't guaranteed a starting spot in spring training. He may also not have one after his current DL stint.

The explanation from the team is that he's being given time off to be cautious. The team doesn't want him to injure the elbow or shoulder in case he tries to compensate for the finger. What should you do with him?

In shallow mixed leagues, he's not worth holding onto, but those in AL-only and deep mixed formats should retain him if possible. Going into the season:

--He was not highly ranked because of mixed expectations.
--The No. 5 rotation spot was never guaranteed.
--There's a chance he could stay in Triple-A if Colon comes on.

However, in deep mixed leagues you need to hold onto him:

--He has talent and potential.
--Never say never with injuries and performance in a long season.

In the end, his future is likely tied to Colon and how Colon performs. There's no magic solution for fantasy owners. As stated, stash him if you can. Now let's discuss Mr. Colon and what fantasy owners should expect.

Colon (oblique) was cleared to begin pitching again in Triple-A in early May, more than a month after his first start for Pawtucket. In his first outing back, he allowed one run on four hits while striking out two and walking none in three innings. However, on Thursday he looked solid throwing 64 pitches, 45 for strikes over six innings. Reports state he had great command working both sides of the plate. He topped out at 95 mph and three 15 first-pitch strikes.

The team's looking for at least one more rehabilitation start from Colon before calling him up. If true, that means the open spot Tuesday is out. Two potential players to fill in are pitchers David Pauley and Charlie Zink.

--Pauley hasn't exactly been dominant. He was lit up in his only major league appearance this season, going 4 1/3 innings and allowing five runs (all earned) on seven hits. He sported an ERA of 10.38 after it was said and done.

--Zink started for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday. However, he's primarily a knuckleballer and could work on short rest if needed. He's currently 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA with Pawtucket.

It'll be interesting to see Zink and his knuckleball if he's called up, but neither player figures to be a long-term alternative with Colon, Buchholz and pitcher Justin Masterson among others.

--In fact, Masterson in his lone start this season went six innings, allowing only two hits, one run and ended with a 1.50 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. He's someone who would be interesting to watch and keep an eye on as well. Don't rule him out.

That brings us back to Colon and where he stands for fantasy owners. He can opt out of his contract if he's not called up by June 1. He appears ready and if so, would probably take Buchholz's spot in the rotation barring injury to another pitcher. He's pitched well in Triple-A, is 2-0, has a 0.64 ERA but in 14 innings he has an 11-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He's a must add in AL-only formats and a possible stash in deeper mixed leagues.

Today, say goodbye to Buchholz. If you need pitching help, all hail Colon!