Update (5:18 PM EDT): MASN’s Mark Zuckerman reports that the Nationals are receiving cash considerations in return. Exciting times.
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The Angels have acquired shortstop Brendan Ryan in a trade with the Nationals, MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez reports. It’s not known yet what the Nationals are getting in return, but Gonzalez surmises it won’t be much.
Andrelton Simmons needs surgery on his left thumb to repair “a full thickness tear of the ulnar collateral ligament”, which will keep him out for at least a couple of months. The Angels chose to acquire help from outside of the organization rather than relying completely on Cliff Pennington to hold down the shortstop position.
Ryan, 34, has spent the season with Triple-A Syracuse, the Nationals’ minor league affiliate. In 83 plate appearances, he has hit .263/.305/.382. The veteran of 10 seasons is underwhelming offensively, but plays great defense and can move around the diamond if the Angels want to play Pennington as well.