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Red Sox acquire RHP Byrd from Indians

Soft-tosser comes to aid the Sox

The Boston Red Sox bolstered their rotation Tuesday, acquiring veteran righthander Paul Byrd from the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named or cash considerations.

The 37-year-old Byrd is 7-10 with a 4.53 ERA this season. But he has won all four of his starts since the All-Star break with a 1.24 ERA.

Byrd seemed obviously upset and shocked at the move.

“Give me a few minutes before I talk,” Byrd said as he packed up in the Indians clubhouse. “I’m not lucid right now. I’m saying funny things. Give me a half-hour and I’ll talk.”

My take

This isn’t supposed to be a major impact trade like the Bay/Manny deal. The Sox are simply addressing a need in their rotation right now. Tim Wakefield, a consistent innings-eater, hits the DL and Clay Buchholz is having a sophomore slump. Theo knows with the Rays wounded (Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria on the DL), now is the time to gain ground on them. Hopefully a change of scenery won’t affect Byrd’s hot streak.