Brendan

Ryan

Ryan went 1-for-2 with an RBI single before being replaced by Luis Rodriguez to begin the sixth inning. He is being called day-to-day right now.

Ryan made an early exit from Tuesday’s game against the Yankees after experiencing stiffness in his neck. The Mariners’ training staff is calling him day-to-day.

Ryan was pulled from Tuesday’s game with soreness in his upper back. He’s still feeling it, but it sounds like he should be back in the lineup soon.

Ryan has been bothered by a neck injury since last week and it seemed to get worse this weekend. The Mariners don’t know when he might be able to return to the lineup.

Rodriguez suffered three gashes on his hand when the Twins’ Danny Valencia caught him with his spikes on a stolen base attempt during Thursday’s game. “He got me good,” said Rodriguez. “I tried to grip my bat and I can’t do it, so I don’t know. I’ll see how it feels tomorrow.” With Brendan Ryan also out of the lineup, Kyle Seager made the start at shortstop Friday night against the Rangers.

Ryan told reporters after the scrimmage that his arm and foot felt good. He’ll have no limitations going forward and is expected to be 100 percent by Opening Day.

Ryan also took part in all drills without throwing. The 29-year-old is being brought along slowly after missing the final two weeks of last season with neck and shoulder injuries, but he still has plenty of time to get ready for the start of the season.

The Mariners are taking it easy with Ryan, who is recovering from neck and shoulder issues. He likely will be limited for a few more days. The 29-year-old batted just .248/.313/.326 with three home runs, 39 RBI, 13 stolen bases and a .639 OPS over 123 games in 2011, but will be the M’s starting shortstop this season if healthy.

Ryan dealt with neck and shoulder problems near the end of the 2011 season and still hasn’t fully recovered from either. The Mariners are concerned, but the hope is he can play catch-up during the month of March.

Wedge assured reporters that the M’s have simply been playing it safe with Ryan, who suffered from neck and shoulder issues last year. The 29-year-old shortstop should be ready by the start of the 2012 regular season.