On May 11, 2012, Podsednik was traded to the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations. Podsednik was promoted to Boston May 22 to help with an outfield that saw seven players on the disabled list. On May 22, 2012 he made his debut, pinch hitting for Marlon Byrd in the seventh inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles. On the following day also against the Baltimore Orioles, Podsednik made his first start in right field and hit a home run.