August 5, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Sox sign Paul Byrd to minor league deal
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting that the Red Sox have signed starter Paul Byrd to a minor league contract. Byrd, who has not yet thrown a pitch this year, is expected to be ready to pitch in the majors around September 1. The Red Sox originally acquired the 38-year-old righthander for Mickey Hall in August, 2008. Byrd made 8 starts for Boston down the stretch, going 4-2 with a 4.78 ERA. He then retired following the conclusion of the 2008 playoffs, but has reportedly been staying in shape. A veteran of thirteen major league seasons playing for seven different franchises, Byrd owns a career record of 108-93 with a 4.38 ERA.