CLEVELAND -- Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield has not pitched since Sept. 29, including the ALDS against the Angels, but the veteran knuckleballer will get the ball Tuesday night against the Indians in Game Four of the ALCS.

He said Monday afternoon that he’s healthy and hasn’t had any setbacks with his ailing right shoulder.

''I really don’t have any concerns,” he said. ''I feel ready to go.”

In preparation for Tuesday’s start, Wakefield has been getting his work in, including a 77-pitch simulated game last Tuesday at Fenway Park, when he deemed himself ready.

''The rest has done me well," added Wakefield. ''When I threw that simualted game, I felt like my command was there, and then I'm taking my normal rest. I've thrown on the side and I'm ready to go."

Wakefield, who was 17-12 during the regular season in 31 starts, matched a career-high in wins this year, but did not face the Indians in 2007.

''The satisfaction is great," he said when asked about the 17 wins. ''I was able to pitch for a good team. They scored me runs when I needed to score runs, and I pitched well when I needed to pitch well.''

Overall, he's 9-8 with a 4.50 ERA against Cleveland. At Jacobs Field he's 5-4 with a 4.64 in 11 games (10 starts) here.

Because it's October and with a World Series appearance on the line, Wakefield exudes confidence despite his layoff.

"I love the intensity," said Wakefield. "I love the competition. My season is over with and now it's the postseason. I'm anxious to pitch (Tuesday) and ready to go get 'em."

Wakefield will be matched up against the Indians' Paul Byrd on Tuesday, and the Cleveland starter just came up with a great line.

"This may be the slowest right-handed matchup of all-time," he said.

No matter what happens on Tuesday night, or for the rest of the season, Wakefield's contract is up at the end of the year and he has every intention to return to Boston.

"I'd love to come back next year," he said. "But they haven't had that conversation with me, and that's in the hands of the Red Sox."