WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have traded Brendan Ryan to the Angels for cash considerations, the team announced Tuesday. Ryan is expected to get plenty of playing time in Los Angeles after it was revealed that shortstop Andrelton Simmons needs thumb surgery. Simmons is expected to be out at least two months.
Ryan played in 21 games for Triple-A Syracuse, where he hit .263 with a homer and eight RBIs. He had a productive Spring Training for Washington, and there was a chance he could've made the big league team. But Ryan ended up going to Minor League camp, while Danny Espinosa and Stephen Drew made the 25-man roster.
Ryan, who signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training on Feb. 2, credited hitting coach Rick Schu for his success at the plate. The two decided they were going to keep things as simple as possible in the batter's box. It started with batting practice. Ryan, known for his defense, kept his cool and took it into the game.