NEW YORK — When the pitching got thin — Tim Wakefield went to the disabled list and Clay Buchholz suffered a crisis of confidence — the Red Sox’ front office made a post-waiver deadline deal to land veteran Paul Byrd, last night’s starter.

When the Sox sensed that they could use another bat off the bench, they arranged a trade for San Diego’s Brian Giles, only to have Giles negate the deal by refusing to waive his no-trade clause.

And finally, when J.D. Drew was placed on the DL with a herniated disc, the Sox immediately responded by dealing outfield prospect Luis Sumoza for Atlanta’s Mark Kotsay, who arrived midway through batting practice yesterday.

The significance of the moves has not been lost inside the Red Sox’ clubhouse, where the message from the front office has been made loud and clear: if you need something, we will try to get it for you.

That’s an affirmation for the players.

“We all know that [the front office] wants to win as much as we do,” said second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “We’re all a team here. It says a lot about the organization’s commitment. Everyone here is all about winning; that’s the first priority.

“They’re not shy about making deals if it’s going to make our team better.”

Late-season deals can benefit a team in two ways. In addition to providing reinforcements, they also send a signal to the remaining players.

The message: We support you. We’re behind you. We’re trying to do everything we can to help you do everything you can.

“Anytime you feel like the front office is doing everything possible to get us as prepared as possible to make a playoff run and do well in the playoffs,” added Mike Lowell, “you do appreciate it. Because there are a lot of organizations, I would say, that send the exact opposite message. We actually feel like we’re all on the same page.”

It’s not easy to make deals after July 31. Players have to clear waivers at a time when competing teams frequently play defense by claiming players as a means of scuttling potential deals that could help opposing clubs.

Then, general managers must be careful not to disturb the delicate clubhouse vibe by injecting unknown personalities.

“It’s a balancing act,” said manager Terry Francona. “You try to respect what the guys in the clubhouse have done and, at the same time, moves to help the ball club. They’ve done a good job [adding players], knowing we’re a little banged up.”

Kotsay, who has some experience at first base, isn’t the offensive force that Giles would have been. But he could still be a useful part.

“I think he adds a lot to the club,” said general manager Theo Epstein. “He’s a plus defender in center and right. He has great instincts and a strong throwing arm. He grinds out at-bats the way we like, and he’s a gamer. He’s the type of guy you want the ball to be hit to or to be up in a big spot.”

Kotsay, who arrived at Yankee Stadium less than 90 minutes before game time, thought he was staying put until late Tuesday. He had cleared waivers earlier in the month, but when no deal materialized, he figured he would finish the season with the also-ran Braves.

“But this obviously is exciting to come to a club that’s in the playoff race,” said Kotsay, “and especially one like Boston that has the history of a great tradition. I’m just anxious to come over and in some way help this club, obviously reach its destination, and at the same time have as much fun as possible.”

In the span of 24 hours, Kotsay went from the fourth-place sub-.500 Braves to a team that leads the A.L. wild-card race and is the defending World Series champion.

“It’s very invigorating,” he said. “In Atlanta, things didn’t go as well as we would have like to. I see Atlanta giving me this opportunity, and we have to be thankful for that, as well.”

In a twist, Kotsay, who spent time on the disabled list with a back injury this season, has arrived to take the place of Drew, who has back woes.

“So far,” Kotsay said, “since I’ve been back from the disabled list in late June, knock on wood, I haven’t had any issues. Hopefully, it’ll stay that way.”

The argument could be made that the Sox could use additional reinforcements. An experienced middle infielder could help, and so could another lefty specialist. But it’s unlikely more outside help will be on the way.

“I think,” said Epstein, “there are things we can do internally (in the minor leagues) to help.”

Moreover, the Sox are nearly at their budgeted payroll figure, and there’s little time or opportunity to get another player through waivers before Sunday at midnight, after which a new player would be ineligible for the postseason.

Still, the front office has done its part this month. The rest is up to the players.

smcadam@projo.com