Brendan Ryan will not be ready for Opening Day after an MRI revealed that something was pushing on a nerve in his back. Ryan has dealt with oblique and back issues this spring, ailments that the Yankees have insisted are not related. Regardless, he can't do much without feeling discomfort, so he's not going to be game-ready for a while. Eduardo Nu¤ez will serve as Derek Jeter's primary backup at shortstop while Ryan is on the shelf.

Brendan Ryan was scratched from Thursday's game with upper back spasms unrelated to his previous oblique injury. Ryan was scheduled to return from a two-week oblige-induced hiatus on Thursday night. More back pain doesn't sound like good news for his Opening Day roster prospects, but we'll find out more about his progress and prognosis in the coming days.

Brendan Ryan (oblique) was scratched from New York's Grapefruit League game on Thursday. The club announced the news just 30 minutes before the game, so it appears Ryan couldn't give it a go. He's been out of action for two weeks and been limited to just eight at-bats this spring due to an oblique issue. With Opening Day upon us, Ryan must progress quickly to avoid an early stint on the DL.

Brendan Ryan (oblique) will return to Grapefruit League action on Thursday. Ryan has been limited to just eight at-bats this spring due to an oblique issue, but he's finally making progress. Barring a setback, he should have time to get ready for Opening Day.

Brendan Ryan (back) was slated to take some dry swings Tuesday. He'll then move on to hitting off a tee and taking soft-toss Wednesday. Ryan has been nursing lower back soreness for about a week but doesn't appear to be far off from return to games.

Brendan Ryan (oblique) expects to return to Grapefruit League action on Wednesday. Ryan underwent a precautionary MRI due to an oblique issue, but he says he's fine. The slick fielder will serve as a utility infielder for the Yankees this season.

Yankees re-signed SS Brendan Ryan to a two-year, $5 million contract. The deal has a club and player option for 2016 that, with incentives, could bring the deal to $10 million. Ryan hit .220/.258/.305 in his short time with the Yankees toward the end of 2013, but it's his defense that makes him a valuable commodity. The Yankees will likely try to protect the aging Derek Jeter's ankles, so the 31-year-old Ryan should see his fair share of time at shortstop. Still, his offense makes him a nonentity in fantasy.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees have reached agreement with free agent Brendan Ryan. No word on the specifics. Ryan had another miserable offensive season in 2013, but he's one of the best defensive shortstops in the majors and will provide insurance in 2014 behind Derek Jeter. Heyman says the Yankees are also in the hunt for Stephen Drew, but it's not clear how serious of a pursuit that is at this time.

The Yankees and Brendan Ryan are "close" to an agreement, Joel Sherman of the New York Post is hearing. Ryan has said he enjoyed his time in New York at the end of last season, so the deal makes sense for both sides. The Yankees would like some insurance for Derek Jeter's ankles and Ryan likely isn't an everyday player. The source also described the deal as "small," leaving the door open for the Yankees to sign another, higher-profile shortstop or infielder who's able to have a bigger impact.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that there's mutual interest between the Yankees and free agent infielder Brendan Ryan. Rosenthal adds that a deal "could happen quickly." Ryan joined the Yankees down the stretch and makes sense to retain asa glove-first insurance policy for Derek Jeter at shortstop.