Yankees' Brendan Ryan exercises player option for 2016

Brendan Ryan returns to the Yankees on a $1 million player option for 2016.Brendan Ryan exercised his $1 million player option for 2016, returning for another year in pinstripes as a backup infielder.

Ryan, 33, has been with the Yankees since September 2013, when they acquired him from the Mariners. He hit .229 with no home runs and eight RBI in 47 games last season, battling back, calf and hamstring injury issues along the way.

Although Ryan exercised his option - the Yankees had already declined their $2 million option on him - it doesn't guarantee that he'll be with the team when the season opens. The Yankees could trade or release him at any time, though they would be obligated to pay him…