“He comes ready to play every day,’’ David Ortiz said. “Even when he’s not playing, he’s ready to go. You need guys with that attitude.’’

In the last four games, with Daniel Nava unavailable because of a sore left hand, Podsednik is 7 of 18 batting leadoff.

As the Red Sox prepare for this weekend’s series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Podsednik stands as one of the most unlikely heroes of the season.

“Scotty Podsednik is playing a great brand of baseball,’’ said manager Bobby Valentine. “He’s doing everything we ask him to do, plus some.

“Who would think? Daniel Nava goes down and he steps right up and into that leadoff spot and takes hold of it, hitting the ball hard and having good at-bats. He’s been very valuable.’’

His teammates are impressed with Podsednik’s tenacity. He played with the Royals and Dodgers in 2010, hitting .297 in 134 games. But plantar fasciitis in his left foot left Podsednik searching for a job that winter.

The Blue Jays signed him but let him go in May. The Phillies gave Podsednik a chance that lasted 11 minor league games before he fractured his left foot. After a winter spent getting his body prepared for one final chance, the Phillies sent him back to the minors this spring.

“For him to stick with it, basically swallow his pride and go to Triple A, is incredible,’’ Ross said. “I love it. He’s a great guy, a great teammate. He’s given us a big lift, a big spark. He has been a catalyst for us.’’

Ross said that in the same situation, he would have gone home.

“Scott’s been around this game so long and done some great, heroic things,’’ said Ross. “You have to respect him. He’s been there and done it. He had nothing to prove to anybody.’’

But Podsednik didn’t see it that way. The time will come to go back to Texas and start another stage of his life. But he didn’t want somebody else to make that decision for him.