Mariners avoided arbitration with SS Brendan Ryan by agreeing to a one-year contract. Financial terms are not yet known. Ryan is a defensive wizard but is coming off a year where he batted just .194/.277/.278. He'll be the starting shortstop on Opening Day, but the M's could eventually seek a replacement.

Brendan Ryan had elbow surgery on Thursday morning. The procedure, designed to remove bone chips from the shortstop's right elbow, was deemed a success. Ryan will be fully recovered by the start of spring training.

Brendan Ryan will undergo surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. It's not known how long the rehab will take, but it's a relatively minor procedure. Ryan will be fine by the time spring training rolls around.

Mariners manager Eric Wedge anticipates Brendan Ryan being the team's starting shortstop again next season. Ryan is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, but he's batted a measly .194/.277/.278 this season. He's entering his final year of arbitration this winter. "I think he's going to hit better," Wedge said. "He's a much better offensive player than .195. If there's ever a player that gets in his own way offensively, Brendan Ryan is it. We're going to try to help him get the hell out of his own way next year. I think he's the best defensive shortstop in the game. A game changer."

Brendan Ryan homered in the Mariners' loss to the Rangers on Sunday afternoon in Seattle. It was only his third big fly of the season. Ryan is probably the best defensive shortstop in the major leagues, but he doesn't offer much in the way of fantasy value.

Brendan Ryan went 0-for-2 with a strikeout Sunday in the Mariners' loss to the Athletics. Ryan remains one of MLB's best defensive shortstops, but he's batting just .195/.284/.276 in 123 games played. That's even worse than his .245/.308/.328 career line.

Brendan Ryan (elbow) is back in Friday's lineup. Ryan hasn't played since being hit on the elbow by a pitch Saturday. The 30-year-old is hitting just .204/.298/.299 through 334 plate appearances this year.

Brendan Ryan (elbow) is out of the starting lineup again Wednesday. Ryan hasn't played since being hit in the elbow by a pitch by Yankees' right-hander Hiroki Kuroda on Saturday. He was out on the field during pre-game workouts, which is a good sign, but it's not clear when he'll return to action. Munenori Kawasaki will continue to fill in for now.

Brendan Ryan (elbow) is out of the Mariners' starting lineup again Monday. Ryan hasn't played since being hit in the left elbow by a pitch during Sunday's game. X-rays came back negative, so it's not a major concern. He hopes to be back in there Tuesday.

X-rays taken Saturday afternoon on Brendan Ryan's injured elbow came back negative. Ryan will sit out for a couple of games but should avoid the 15-day disabled list. Expect Munenori Kawasaki to take over starting duties at shortstop in his absence.