Phillies’ Ryan OKs Demotion

Reliever Ken Ryan of the Philadelphia Phillies accepted his minor league assignment and will try to get his elbow healthy at triple A.

“I think it’s probably the best thing for me,” said Ryan, who had major elbow surgery in 1997. “I need to pitch in games as much as I can so I can get back to where I was.”

Ryan, 30, was one of the best setup men in the National League with Philadelphia in 1996. He had eight saves and a 2.43 earned-run average, striking out 70 in 89 innings. But he had a 6.32 ERA in 15 games this season and was designated for assignment Sunday when closer Jeff Brantley came off the disabled list.

As a five-year veteran, Ryan could have refused the assignment and become a free agent. Several teams had interest, particularly the Toronto Blue Jays. He will see his first action tonight for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre in an exhibition game against the Phillies.