Clay Buchholz continued his sensational spring with six more innings Wednesday (3 H, 3 K, 1 BB, no earned runs). His ERA is down to 0.46.

He can enjoy the major league life for another week. Then he will be in the minors.

Boston added Brad Penny and John Smoltz to the rotation, which already causes an interesting situation when Smoltz is ready to go and the Red Sox have six starters.

So Buchholz has to wait. Is it fair? Sure. Buchholz had his chance to prove himself last year and struggled. That forced Boston to bring in Penny and Smoltz.

Only injuries to others will open the door for Buchholz.

So far, Buchholz is saying all the right things about accepting his fate. It sounds great. If he is dominating in Pawtucket and still stuck there this summer, his patience may be stretched.

Buchholz is not alone. The Tampa Bay Rays' David Price, who shined in last year's playoff and figured to be a mainstay in the rotation this year, was recently sent down to Triple-A.

In other news: The Milwaukee Brewers released outfielder Trot Nixon, who was trying to make the team as a non-roster invitee.

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