RETIRED EARLY. NOLAN RYAN, 46, fabled and durable pitcher; in Seattle. In the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners, the Texas Ranger tore a ligament in his right elbow on a pitch to Dave Magadan. The injury will sideline Ryan for the rest of the season, thus finishing his career a month early, since he had planned to retire this year. In 27 seasons, Ryan, the major-league record holder for most strikeouts (5,714) had pitched seven no-hitters--also a record.