TORONTO — When Clay Buchholz takes the mound for the Red Sox against the Blue Jays on Friday night at Rogers Centre, the prized pitching prospect will be fired up for a lot of reasons.

First and foremost, he returns to the majors for the first time since last August. Secondly, and also ironically, it just so happens that the Blue Jays are shopping ace Roy Halladay, and Toronto has been scouting Buchholz.

If the Blue Jays and Red Sox were to make a deal involving Halladay, Buchholz would almost certainly be involved. Still, he's concentrating only on pitching for the Red Sox on Friday night.

"That's the organization's deal," he said. "If something comes up and that's what they need to do, then that's what they need to do. But I see myself being here for a long time and pitching for this team a long time. It should be fun [Friday] night and wherever I go from there."

Buchholz arrived here with the rest of the club Thursday night and said he's ready to go. He is confident and more than ready for the challenge.

"It's been the opportunity I've been waiting for all year," said Buchholz. "It's definitely good to get back up here. Pitching in Triple A all year definitely wasn't where I wanted to be. I'm really excited I get to come out here and pitch. I thank the Red Sox for the opportunity."

Buchholz couldn't argue with the organization's philosophy, especially given the difficult season he had in 2008, during which he was sent to Double-A Portland last August to finish out the season.

He arrived at camp this year in good shape and stronger mentally. After spring training, management still thought it best to send him to Triple A so he could continue to hone his skills.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was frustrated," Buchholz said. "All I could do is go out and pitch every fifth day, help that team win and try to get better every time. Everything else was out of my control."

The hard-throwing right-hander has posted a 7-2 record and a 2.36 ERA in 17 games (16 starts) for the PawSox, and has been dominant.

"He's been fabulous. He's done everything we've asked," said manager Terry Francona. "The biggest thing is his maturity . . . He's bigger, stronger and has a better work ethic. It's not unique what happened to him last year. It just happened in Boston, so we all know about it. He had some hiccups and had a rough time. He went back [to the minors], and when guys go back and do what you ask, it really makes you happy."

PawSox manager Ron Johnson said of Buchholz earlier in the season that the way he was pitching, not even major-league hitters would be able to solve him. Buchholz will get his opportunity to prove that Friday night.

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity. I didn't have to get this start because they have five guys in line to go. I do thank the Red Sox and I'll try to make the best of it."

Fortunately, the 24-year-old has experienced the emotions of a call-up and everything that goes with it. He said he'll lean on those experiences to help him get through this start.

"The hope is he goes out and pitches great," said Francona. "I think he'll be okay. It's not his first time here. I think it's a really good opportunity for him and our ballclub."

In preparation for Friday night's start, Buchholz had a throwing session, with pitching coach John Farrell looking on. Afterward, everything felt normal for Buchholz.

The Red Sox are using this spot start by Buchholz to allow their other starters to get an extra day's rest. And it means a whole lot to Buchholz.

jmcdonal@projo.com