Buchholz will start for Pawtucket on Friday

BALTIMORE -- Fresh off pitching a simulated game in Detroit on Sunday, Clay Buchholz has been slotted for a Minor League rehab start Friday at Triple-A Pawtucket.

"He's going to start in Pawtucket on Friday, and we're hopeful and planning to get five innings out of him on Friday," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "He'll throw his bullpen [session] here with us before meeting up in Pawtucket."

Buchholz had a lot going before going on the disabled list, making several mechanical adjustments in an attempt to break out of one of the worst slumps of his career.

Farrell was noncommittal when asked if Buchholz's rehab assignment will be more than one start. The righty is on the disabled list due to a hyperextended left knee.

"Yeah, we'll see how we get through Friday," Farrell said. "But it's not like he's coming off an arm ailment or anything with the throwing, the arm action. We feel like we can go from a three-inning sim game to five innings of work. We'll see where he's at after Friday."