ANAHEIM, Calif. - Brendan Ryan arrived in the Los Angeles Angels clubhouse on Tuesday afternoon with an ear-to-ear grin.

The veteran infielder is happy to not only be back in the major leagues, but back home in Southern California.

The Washington Nationals traded Ryan to the Angels for cash considerations on Tuesday.

Ryan, 34, arrived at Angel Stadium a few hours before the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. He had been at Triple-A Syracuse this season after signing with Washington in February.

"I'm certainly thinking about how lucky and blessed I am at the moment to not only be back in the big leagues, but to be home," said Ryan, who resides with his family in southern Los Angeles. "It's been an exciting day, a very exciting day, to say the least."

The move comes a day after the Angels said shortstop Andrelton Simmons needs surgery for a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Simmons was hurt Sunday. He was batting .219 with a home run and eight RBIs this season.

Ryan is expected to share time with Cliff Pennington at shortstop and play other spots in the infield as needed in a backup role.

He has played in parts of nine major league seasons for the Cardinals, Mariners and Yankees, starting games at shortstop, second base, third base and outfield.

"I'm comfortable playing anywhere," he said, smiling. "I even got a catcher's glove in there just in case."

Ryan has a .234 career batting average with 19 home runs.