BOSTON - OCTOBER 13:  Paul Byrd #36 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in game three of the American League Championship Series during the 2008 MLB playoffs at Fenway Park on October 13, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

In need of some starting pitching depth, the Boston Red Sox have turned to an old friend in Paul Byrd.

Byrd, 38, is expected to be ready to join the major league staff around Sept. 1. He has yet to pitch this season and will require time in the minor leagues.

Byrd made 8 starts for the Red Sox during the regular season last year and was 4-2 with a 4.78 ERA.

This move isn’t surprising at all considering the struggles of John Smoltz, Brad Penny and Clay Buchholz.