Brandon Workman Expected To Start Sunday While Awaiting Appeal Verdict

BOSTON — Red Sox pitcher Brandon Workman still is expected to start Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park.

Workman appealed the six-game suspension he received from Major League Baseball for throwing behind Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria during his May 30 start. Workman’s hearing was held Friday, but a verdict isn’t expected until early next week, according to Red Sox manager John Farrell.

If Workman’s suspension is upheld, the Red Sox will need to find someone to start in his place next Friday. However, with a verdict not expected until early next week, the 25-year-old still is in line to make his next scheduled start in Sunday’s series finale against the Tribe.

Workman was one of four members of the Red Sox ejected from the heated May 30 contest against the Rays. He delivered a pitch in the sixth inning that sailed near Longoria’s head and was immediately tossed, although the right-hander has since maintained that the ball slipped due to the rainy conditions at Fenway that night. Farrell, bench coach Torey Lovullo and third base coach Brian Butterfield also were ejected from the game, which the Red Sox won 3-2 in 10 innings on a walk-off hit by catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

Workman has pitched well this season, posting a 2.86 ERA over seven appearances (four starts). The Red Sox will have a difficult decision to make when Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront return from their respective injuries.