Back From Suspension, Brandon Workman Takes on the Bronx Bombers

After sweeping the Minnesota Twins just over a week ago, the Red Sox hoped to be in better position come this weekend’s series in the Bronx, the last series of their road trip.

That didn’t happen, as the Sox dropped all but two of their contests on the West Coast, and a sweep of the Yankees is the only way they can end the 10-game trip exactly where they started.

Back from serving the six-game suspension he received for throwing at Evan Longoria, Brandon Workman gets the start for the Red Sox on Friday. In five starts for the Sox this season, Workman is 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA, holding opposing hitters to a .190 batting average. He went six innings in his last start, allowing two runs on five hits with two walks and seven strikeouts, earning a no-decision on June 15 against the Cleveland Indians.

Workman will be making his first career start against the Yankees; he made four appearances in relief against them in 2013, allowing two earned runs in 3 1/3 total innings.
Ichiro Suzuki is the only Yankee in Friday’s starting lineup who has a career hit against Workman, going 1-for-2. Carlos Beltran is the only other who has reached base, walking in his only plate appearance facing the Sox righthander.
Southpaw Vidal Nuno will toe the rubber for the Yankees. Since joining the rotation on April 20, Nuno is 1-4 in 12 starts with a 5.29 ERA. He went 6 1/3 inning his last time out, allowing four earned runs on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts on June 21 to the Orioles.
Friday will be Nuno’s first start against the Red Sox. No hitter on the Red Sox has ever faced the 26-year-old at the big league level.