Farrell meets with Doubront, stresses team focus

BOSTON -- Felix Doubront wants to be a starter, but he didn't do much to help his cause Monday.

Doubront looked lost on the mound during a short-yet-long relief appearance in Boston's 14-1 loss to Toronto, and while manager John Farrell dismissed the idea of Doubront being disinterested or unfocused, Boston's skipper said he's met with the lefty to discuss his appearance.

"Yes, and that's all I'll say about it," Farrell said.

Farrell said he doesn't believe his team as a whole has lost focus in any way, though.

"To say that with a broad brush, no, not at all," Farrell said. "Are there some things that we address internally? Yes, there have been."

Doubront came on in relief of Clay Buchholz and allowed the two runners he inherited to score. He allowed six hits, two walks and six runs of his own over two-thirds of an inning. The Blue Jays squared up balls at-bat after at-bat.

Doubront has made 66 starts for Boston over the last three seasons, including 10 in 2014. He hasn't started since June 20 and has made seven relief appearances since.

The 26-year-old said he'd like to be a starter and feels he's proven himself in that role. He declined to speak with the media after Monday's game.

Prior to Tuesday's game, Farrell spoke more broadly about distractions at this time of year, especially with his team 10 games under .500. and likely moving players before Thursday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline.

"It is important that we all continue to focus as a team. The things that we established a year ago and the things we continue to build -- that can't be jeopardized," Farrell said. "That can't be sacrificed with a so-called distraction taking away from the way we play. That's unacceptable in my mind."

"That's why we take the added steps to keep them abreast of their situation and the situation of us as a team," Farrell continued. "Is it human nature to think about what else may be out there? It is, but we're all professional. And at some point, that focus has got to maintain between the lines."