Colon's out - again

Bartolo Colon is out of the White Sox' starting rotation again, and this time the shift looks permanent.

Colon was the Sox' scheduled starter against the Twins Wednesday night, but the veteran pitcher was scratched and placed on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation.

Colon (3-6, 4.19 ERA) reportedly felt soreness while playing catch Tuesday night, which caught manager Ozzie Guillen by surprise.

"I don't even think Colon knows about it," Guillen told reporters.

It's not like the White Sox don't have options for Colon, who was AWOL earlier in July before reporting to the minor leagues to rehab a sore knee.

Clayton Richard is back in the rotation, and the big lefty is scheduled to start against the Yankees on Friday.

Richard has allowed just 2 earned runs over 16 innings in his last 2 starts.

The Sox also have Freddy Garcia stashed down in the minor leagues. In his first outing since rejoining the organization in early June, Garcia pitched 3 scoreless innings for Class A Kannapolis on Sunday.

Journeyman relief pitcher Randy Williams replaced Colon on the 25-man roster after having his contract purchased from Class AAA Charlotte.

The 33-year-old lefty debuted with two on and two out in the sixth inning Wednesday and retired Joe Mauer on a groundball. Williams also struck out Justin Morneau leading off the seventh before exiting.

Fields sent down: As expected, infielder Josh Fields was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte Wednesday, clearing a roster spot for Mark Kotsay.

Fields is likely to be traded, even if it's after Friday's nonwaiver deadline. GM Kenny Williams talked with Fields about his future Tuesday morning.

"I will stay consistent in the fact that if we don't have an opportunity for someone, we will work to provide an opportunity for that person," Williams told reporters.

Fields batted .220 with 7 home runs and 30 RBI in 71 games with the White Sox. He also struck out 71 times in 223 at-bats.

Buehrle-mania: The accolades keep rolling in for White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, who pitched a perfect game against Tampa Bay last Thursday and was perfect against Minnesota on Tuesday night for 52/3 innings.

Today is "Mark Buehrle Day" in Illinois, and Governor Pat Quinn will be on hand at the Sox-Yankees game at the Cell tonight to honor the left-handed pitcher, who also set the major-league record by retiring 45 consecutive batters.

When the Angels come to the South Side next week, it will be the the "Buehrle Appreciation Series." The White Sox will conduct a special ceremony prior to Tuesday's game and there will be special ticket prices and giveaways.