Buchholz, Doubront getting back up to speed

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The right hamstring strain that derailed Clay Buchholz earlier in camp is on the verge of becoming a non-issue, as the righty fired his first round of batting practice on Wednesday.

Thanks to the lengthier Spring Training this year, Buchholz should have no problem taking his first turn in the rotation once the regular season starts.

"Very good BP session for him today," said manager John Farrell. "Thirty pitches, which is consistent with starters who threw their first round of live BP. He came out of today feeling good about himself. He used all his pitches. It was an impressive work day."

Buchholz will throw in a simulated game on Saturday. After that, he could be close to Grapefruit League action.

Lefty Felix Doubront was the other rotation member to ramp back up on Wednesday, throwing his first bullpen session of camp. Doubront had been slowed because of some weakness in his shoulder.

"Reports were that it was OK," said Farrell, who noted Doubront tossed 25 pitches. "I did not see it; I was watching live BP at the time, but he came out of it fine, no issues health-wise. So it's the first progressive step."