BREAKING NEWS: SS Ryan Back with the Yankees

Mar 4, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop

(17) throws the ball to first for an out during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It appears the Yankees have some infield help coming. According to Bryan Hoch, shortstop Brendan Ryan expects to be activated for tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California and immediately added to the 25-man roster. The move couldn’t have come at a better time for the Yankees.

Ryan went on the DL after suffering a cervical spine nerve injury during Spring Training. The shortstop came over to the Yankees last September from the Mariners for his defensive prowess on the field. While he is not known for the his bat (just a career .237 hitter with 19 home runs over seven big league seasons) he is heralded for his glove with a career .977 fielding percentage. Ryan’s return will help improve the range of the Yankees infield. More importantly, however, it will give the Yankees’ Captain Derek Jeter days off or games at DH to rest his aging body.

The Yankees will clear room for Ryan on the 25-man roster by adding starting pitcher Michael Pineda to the disabled list. Pineda, of course, has been serving his ten-game suspension for his now infamous pine tar incident. With the end of the suspension looming, he can officially be moved to the DL and allow a spot for Ryan on the roster without having to lose a bullpen arm or send down another utility bench player. Ryan has hit .320 with four runs scored and two RBI over his seven-game rehab stint with the Tampa Yankees and Trenton Thunder.