Starter Clay Buchholz, shown last season, “commanded his fastball” yesterday, said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox rookie pitcher Clay Buchholz made his presence felt yesterday at the most opportune time, with veteran Bartolo Colon scheduled to make his spring debut today.

In Buchholz’s third appearance (second start) of the spring, it was clear he was a lot more comfortable on the mound. He entered yesterday’s game against Minnesota with an 0-2 record in the Grapefruit League, having allowed a total of eight runs (seven earned) in five innings. “He was good,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “He commanded his fastball, which we talk about all the time, and he sets up that changeup that has major-league hitters knowing that they have to respect a couple of different speeds. And, with the way that changeup is, makes him pretty effective.”

The right-hander worked 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and three hits, with a walk and three strikeouts, to earn his first win this spring.

“I didn’t feel like the game was moving too quickly, and I kept it at a good pace,” Buchholz said after the Sox’ 12-7 victory over the Twins at Hammond Stadium. “All my pitches were almost exactly where I wanted to throw them. I felt really good today.”

Meanwhile, Colon could end up being a steal for the Red Sox after they signed him to a minor-league deal prior to the start of spring training. The former Cy Young Award winner has been impressive during his bullpen sessions and simulated game in the last two weeks. Management has also been pleased with his work ethic and determination in his attempt to return to form and earn a spot in the rotation.

“I haven’t seen him pitch yet,” said Francona. “I’m looking forward to this, and just the fact we’re getting him on the mound is exciting.”

A healthy Red Sox rotation looks like this: Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Jon Lester, with Colon and Buchholz fighting for the fifth spot. Depending on how Colon does during his two-inning start today against the Tampa Bay Rays, Buchholz could make the club out of spring training while Colon may need a start or two in Pawtucket. Once he’s ready, however, the veteran could replace Buchholz, sending the rookie to Triple A as he continues to develop.

At this point, and with less than a week before the Red Sox leave for Japan, Buchholz hasn’t been given any indication of his status.

“I’m still in limbo on that one,” he said. “I’m still waiting to hear what they have to say. I would love to help this team win, but if it doesn’t happen, I’m hoping to be up there in the near future.”

Around the bases

With their victory over the Twins, the Red Sox retained the Mayor’s Cup. … Veteran catcher Kevin Cash, who spent most of last season in Pawtucket, hit a three-run homer to center field yesterday. “It was a nice swing,” said Francona. “He got a nice pitch to hit and he drove it. That ball didn’t get helped by the wind. I think it got knocked down a little bit.” . . . New York radio station WFAN inaccurately reported yesterday that the Red Sox and Mets had made a deal involving Coco Crisp. Red Sox spokesman John Blake was told by GM Theo Epstein to tell the media that the report was a total “fabrication,” and the two sides have not had discussions . . . The Sox assigned right-hander Dan Kolb and utilityman Joe Thurston to the minor-league camp yesterday.

jmcdonal@projo.com