Brendan Ryan’s Back Injury Minor

Mar 2, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Brendan Ryan (17) fouls the ball off his body during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The first injury of the season occurred for the Yankees last week, when backup shortstop Brendan Ryan took a line drive off his hand during batting practice. Ryan laughed it off, and the Yankees took a deep sigh of relief. However, another injury soon arose for the shortstop.

Ryan suffered a lower back strain that he felt Saturday, and described it as “a little more than a nuisance.” He said he likely pushed it a little too far swinging or hitting. Manager Joe Girardi has announced Ryan will be out until at least the middle of next week, but Ryan was optimistic, saying he’s fine. “I’m only careful because it’s New York,” he said. “I don’t want to be too colorful. We’re playing it very safe.” Ryan said he should be active for Wednesday’s home game against Detroit.

He underwent an MRI recently manager Joe Girardi said. “It’s being cautious, to say the least,” Ryan said. “I guess this is only happening because it’s March. It’s really quite a small deal. “But this isn’t one of those things — ‘Game 7 of the World Series, I’d tough it out.’ Back end of a quadruple header, I’d be disappointed if I wasn’t out there.” With shortstop Derek Jeter trying to make a comeback from an ankle injury he suffered in the 2012 postseason, which forced him to miss 145 games in 2013, the Yankees will be heavily relying on Ryan for insurance this season.

The Yankees acquired Ryan from Seattle last September and re-signed him in December to backup Jeter. Ryan can also play third base, and with Alex Rodriguez serving his 2014 suspension, Ryan could share time with Kelly Johnson at the hot corner.