Brendan Ryan

Mar 2, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Brendan Ryan (17) warms up in the outfield prior to the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

TAMPA, Fla. — The Yankees will wait until the very last second, but they will put backup shortstop Brendan Ryan on the 15-day disabled list to start the season, general manager Brian Cashman said.

Ryan hasn't played since March 4. First, an oblique strain kept him out. Then, when he was scheduled to play, he suffered a pinched nerve in his upper back, near his neck.

He said had a cortisone shot Saturday, but didn't sound optimistic about his chances to break spring training with the big-league team.

The Yankees signed Ryan, who's had just eight at-bats this spring, to a two-year, $5-million deal this offseason. He's backing up Derek Jeter, who announced 2014 will be his last season.