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Colon

Colon will likely make two or three starts while Maroth nurses a sore elbow. He’s not to be used in AL-only leagues, especially with the Yankees and Red Sox on the schedule. He’s allowed four runs in 10 innings as a reliever since being recalled.

Maroth sure did pick a bad time to decide to go on the DL. If Colon gets another start, it will come against the Red Sox. The Tigers may choose to go to Jason Grilli or Triple-A Toledo’s Wilfredo Ledezma.

“He’s the perfect guy to come in and shut down a right-hand lineup,” manager Jim Leyland said. “We had a very good conversation. I really think, in his own mind, he kind of thinks he’s a bullpen guy.”

Colby Lewis will replace Colon as the long man on a pitching staff that’s rarely needed one. Colon, who has a 4.89 ERA in 38 2/3 innings, had worked just three times this month.

An interesting choice. We’d prefer to see Buddy Hernandez, but Colon has been solid as a Triple-A reliever and has a big-time fastball. He’s probably just up until Horacio Ramirez comes off the DL or the Braves decide Jose Capellan is ready.

Colon allowed three runs -- two earned -- in six innings for the Braves. He’ll be back.

Colon allowed three runs -- two earned -- in six innings for the Braves last month. He’ll rejoin the pen.

The deal also comes with an invitation to spring training, but Colon is doubtful to earn a spot in the Royals’ Opening Day bullpen. He spent the entire 2011 season at the Triple-A level, posting a 4.85 ERA in 29 2/3 innings. The righty will function as organizational relief depth for the Royals.

Colon was designated for assignment over the weekend and passed through waivers easily. The 32-year-old right-hander is likely to spend the rest of 2012 in the minors.

Colon has registered a decent 3.34 ERA in 29 2/3 innings this season at the Triple-A level. The right-hander will serve as a middle reliever for the big-league club.