Healthy Workman a force again

John Farrell has trusted Brandon Workman for a long time. It’s not a new development of the past month or even the past year. It’s a trust that dates back to Farrell’s greatest accomplishment as Red Sox manager.

“This is a guy who pitched the eighth inning of Game 6 of the World Series,” Farrell said. “It’s never been about not trusting in his competitiveness. It’s about being patient and waiting on the return of his physical abilities, and they’re back.”

Four years after he pitched in seven playoff games in 2013, three years since he last appeared in the big leagues, and two years after Tommy John surgery, Workman has pitched his way back into Farrell’s circle of trust this season.

He has not been a part of the go-to set-up crew in front of Craig Kimbrel, but he’s been essentially the next-best thing with 18 strikeouts, three walks and a 1.86 ERA through 13 appearances this season.

“He’s healthy,” Farrell said. “In 2013, this is very similar to the way he pitched prior to the Tommy John surgery. The fact that he’s gone through the rehab, the games pitched to get back to the physical stuff he has now, I’m sure he’s learned more about who he is as a pitcher and how he’s using his breaking balls, both the curveballs and the slider. But the power has returned.”

Versatile in his role and effective in his performance, Workman is now unpredictable in his status as the Red Sox are carrying an extra reliever while anticipating the return of Dustin Pedroia on Tuesday. They’ll want to remove a pitcher to make room, but Workman is the only one with options.

Doug Fister is currently needed in the rotation, Fernando Abad is the only lefthanded reliever, and Blaine Boyer has pitched well as a veteran long man. That log jam could leave Workman as the odd man out on Tuesday, but he’s clearly pitched his way back to prominence after earlier this season sitting behind the likes of Ben Taylor, Noe Ramirez and Robby Scott for big league playing time.

He’s among the emerging arms — or re-emerging arms — that have made the Red Sox bullpen so good this season.

“Brandon Workman is certainly one of those guys,” Farrell said.