Workman allowed one run on one hit and struck out two in the ninth inning during Thursday's 5-1 win over the Astros.
He served up Yuli Gurriel's ninth-inning home run while making his season debut for Boston. Workman was set to exercise an opt-out clause in his contract, but the Red Sox purchased his contract and placed him on the active roster. The 32-year-old began his career in Boston and was once a key member of the Red Sox's bullpen. The team could use a consistent arm for late-inning work, but Workman is expected to serve in a low-leverage role for now, as he did Thursday.