Doubront to come off DL, start Friday against A's

OAKLAND -- Left-hander Felix Doubront will start Friday for the Red Sox in place of suspended righty Brandon Workman, manager John Farrell confirmed before Thursday's series opener against the A's.

On Sunday, Doubront made his second Minor League rehab start with Pawtucket since being placed on the 15-day disabled list May 21 with a left shoulder strain. He struck out 10 in five no-hit innings.

"His last start was much improved in terms of overall stuff," said Farrell. "There was increased intensity, increased velocity, increased action to his pitches that are going to be required here, and he gets the ball tomorrow."

Doubront was with the team in Oakland on Thursday and will face recent A's acquisition Brad Mills on Friday. The 26-year-old Doubront went 2-4 with a 5.12 ERA in nine starts before going on the DL.

Workman, who was disciplined for throwing a pitch behind Evan Longoria on May 30, began serving his six-game suspension Wednesday after an appeal with Major League Baseball led to no reduction of the penalty.

Since replacing Doubront in the rotation, Workman is 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA in five starts. He will be eligible to return Tuesday.