Red Sox Get Paul Byrd

The Red Sox filled a big need today when they acquired righthanded pitcher Paul Byrd from the Cleveland Indians for the proverbial player-to-be-named-later. 

Byrd is just the type of pitcher they need right now: a 5th starter at the bottom of the rotation who can eat up innings while Tim Wakefield is out. Byrd is 7-10 this season with a ERA at  4.53, but has won his last four decisions since the All-Star break, with a 1.24 ERA in those four games.

Byrd will start Friday in place of Clay Buchholz, who may be sent back to AAA.