When a moment 15 years in the making finally arrived, Brendan Ryan didn't need any convincing.
With the result all but decided in the eighth inning of the Yankees' 15-1 loss to the Astros on Tuesday night, the 33-year-old infielder was summoned to the mound for the first time in his nine-year career. It was the first time he pitched in a game since his senior year at Notre Dame High School in California, Ryan recalled.
"I remind them almost every day," he said, "if the moment comes, I'm more than ready."
Ryan, who allowed two hits in two innings, was the only Yankees pitcher who didn't surrender a run, and gave the bullpen some extra rest a night before an afternoon game.