Ryan removed from game

Brendan Ryan was removed from Thursday night’s game against the Dodgers due to an apparent left foot or ankle injury.

Batting in the bottom of the second inning against Hiroki Kuroda, Ryan fouled a ball off the lower part of his left leg. He hit the ground in pain quickly, and head athletic trainer Barry Weinberg came out to tend to the speedy infielder.

After consulting with Weinberg, Ryan remained in the game to finish his at-bat, and he grounded out to shortstop. However, he was clearly compromised as he attempted to run the ball out. When he returned to the dugout, he was removed from the game. Julio Lugo took his place at shortstop.

Lugo is the favorite to take any playing time at shortstop in Ryan’s absence. The Cardinals also anticipate activating Khalil Greene from the disabled list shortly, and Tyler Greene has hit extremely well at Triple-A Memphis lately.

Ryan has emerged as a premier defensive shortstop this season, and he’s held his own at the plate. However, he’s had great trouble staying healthy throughout his professional career.