Boston third baseman Mike Lowell, who was hit with a right hip-flexor injury, was in manager Terry Francona’s starting lineup for Game One of the ALDS.

The Providence Journal / Gretchen Ertl

ANAHEIM, Calif. — No player was happier to be in uniform last night for the American League Division Series more than Paul Byrd.

As a 37-year-old journeyman pitcher, Byrd knows his time as a major-leaguer is nearing an end. In fact, he thought the end was at hand just a few months ago. But after an awful stretch of the season with the Cleveland Indians, Byrd regrouped and ripped off four straight wins as the trade deadline approached.

The Indians shopped Byrd, whose contract expires at the end of this season, but found no takers. They placed him on waivers and initially no one claimed him. But when Tim Wakefield went on the disabled list, the Sox needed a starter and grabbed Byrd. They’ve assumed the final $2 million of his $7.5-million contract.

“I was available for weeks,” said Byrd. “I was on waivers and nobody wanted me until finally Boston took a chance. It felt good to be wanted.” Byrd said he feels a debt of gratitude to the Red Sox and is looking forward to doing anything possible this postseason to help the team win. His role is unclear. He could simply pitch out of the bullpen for as long as the Sox are alive.

He could be the team’s fourth starter in a rotation behind Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Josh Beckett in a best-of-seven series. He also could be a spot starter if Beckett is not able to go this Sunday in Game Three against the Angels because of his strained oblique muscle in his side.

Byrd is more than happy with his fuzzy role. In fact, he said he was prepared to pitch in last night’s series opener.

“I have to be ready for Game One,” Byrd said. “What happens if [Jon] Lester gets a ball off the knee? I have to be ready to pitch whenever they need me.”

Asked if Terry Francona has told him he’d likely start [over Tim Wakefield] if Beckett doesn’t respond over the next few days, Byrd said he has not heard anything.

“I’m taking it one day at a time. Game One, I’ll be on call,” said Byrd. “If Josh can’t go (Sunday), Tim or myself have to be ready. That’s all we know.”

Byrd is a playoff veteran, a valued commodity at this time of the season. He made two relief appearances for the Braves in the 2004 NLDS and was a key starter for the Angels in 2005. He was blasted in an ALDS start against the Yankees, leaving after only 3 2/3 innings, but bounced back and beat the White Sox once in two starts in the ALCS.

Byrd beat the Yankees last October as a member of the Indians in the ALDS and also beat the Red Sox in Game Four of the ALCS at Jacobs Field.

Before Game Seven at Fenway Park, news broke that Byrd had purchased large quantities of HGH before it was banned by Major League Baseball. Byrd was eventually mentioned in the Mitchell Report when it was released but was cleared by MLB.

He’s obviously hoping for an event-free playoffs this month. Whether he takes the mound as a starter, in relief or not at all, he’s thrilledjust to be in uniform with the Red Sox.

“I’m looking for my first ring, so I’ll do whatever they ask. I’ll carry balls, shine shoes, whatever,” he said.

kmcnamar@projo.com