Washington Nationals sign veteran INF Brendan Ryan

The Washington Nationals on Tuesday signed veteran infielder Brendan Ryan to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Ryan, who turns 35 in March, played in only 47 games with the New York Yankees last season because of an injury.

Known more as a slick defender, he batted .229 in 103 plate appearances in 2015. He is a career .234 hitter with only 19 home runs.

Ryan began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and played four years before spending three seasons with the Seattle Mariners.