Ryan getting close to returning to Yankees

NEW YORK -- Yankees infielder Brendan Ryan could be close to making his way back up to the big leagues after a right calf strain put him on the disabled list in Spring Training.

Manager Joe Girardi said Sunday that he would likely talk with general manager Brian Cashman on Sunday night after the Yankees' series finale with the Angels to weigh options for Ryan.

"He played again [Saturday], playing shortstop in [Double-A] Trenton," Girardi said. "He's played some third. We'll have him play some second. He's getting pretty close, I would think."

Ryan played in 49 games with the Yanks last season, batting .167. In his absence, the team has decided to use second baseman Stephen Drew as a potential backup shortstop and third baseman.

The Yankees also said Sunday that shortstop Gregorio Petit will play in Tampa on Monday with pitcher Ivan Nova. Petit went on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised right hand on May 6. Nova is recovering from Tommy John surgery in April 2014.