Ryan says back soreness not a serious issue

TAMPA, Fla. -- Brendan Ryan is not expected to play until the middle of next week due to soreness in his lower back, but the Yankees infielder does not think that it will develop into a serious issue.

"I'd say they're being cautious, to say the least," Ryan said. "This is only happening because it's March; really quite a small deal. I felt a little spot when I was rotating, that was it."

Ryan had two MRIs last week after reporting the soreness, which he believed comes from swinging the bat too much. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Ryan would be re-evaluated on Tuesday; Ryan hopes to resume playing on Wednesday, but Girardi indicated that it will probably take a little bit longer.