Ryan said the soreness he is experiencing is similar to what he felt at the end of last season, when he hit .244 in 80 major league games. He batted .289 in 2007.

"It's not like I'm worried about a tear or something," Ryan said. "I think it's just swollen, so I'm going to take it easy for a few days."

If the swelling doesn't subside in a week, Ryan said he will consider a cortisone shot.

Ryan has been a utility player in parts of the last two seasons, shuffling between Triple-A Memphis and St. Louis. Khalil Greene, acquired in an offseason trade with San Diego, is expected to start at shortstop for the Cardinals after they allowed Cesar Izturis to leave as a free agent.

The second base job is open after Aaron Miles left as a free agent and Adam Kennedy was waived earlier this month. Among the other candidates is Skip Schumaker, who has spent his entire professional career as an outfielder.

In fact, Albert Pujols at first base is the only holdover from last season's starting infield, at least for a few weeks. Troy Glaus is expected to miss at least a month after offseason shoulder surgery. Ryan is among several players who could get playing time at third base.

"I think he fits at second and short the best," manager Tony La Russa said. "I'm not sure he hits enough to play in the outfield or third."

Ryan said he enters 2009 trying to focus on making better contact and using his speed.

"I was really trying to do something spectacular (last season) instead of sticking with that Aaron Miles-approach of staying on top of the ball," Ryan said.