by Ryan Dodson, KFFL

KFFL: Over a dozen expert league championships — a proven source of player news and fantasy content.

Updated: May 16, 2008, 3:15 PM EST Comment

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The struggling starter failed to live up to the hype this season after throwing a no-hitter in his second major league start last year. He was 2-3 with a 5.53 ERA, but he's struck out 43 batters in 42 1/3 innings.

With Buchholz out, who do the Red Sox turn to?

They recently designated swingman Julian Tavarez for assignment and are looking to trade him. One of their top prospects, starter Justin Masterson, has struggled to a degree in three starts at Double-A since debuting in the majors April 24. All signs lead to former Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon, who is rehabbing from a strained oblique muscle, taking the open rotation spot.

Colon's made two starts in the minors, spanning eight innings, and he's allowed just one earned run and one walk while striking out seven. He's slated to throw 75 pitches in his next rehab start Thursday and could be ready for his season debut after that. If and when he's activated, he's worth a flier in AL-only leagues and deeper mixed leagues simply because of the power-packed offense behind him that could land him wins. Temper your expectations with him, because he showed he's no longer the pitcher who threw 98 mph and dominated games before shoulder problems derailed his career.

Owners that have sweated out Buchholz's slow start might want to reconsider his value. He's owned in the large majority of leagues, but he's not guaranteed a spot in the rotation when he returns, and the team may send him to the minors for more seasoning. While he has loads of potential, those in mixed leagues should consider dropping him if their DL spots are filled.