Segura stays hot vs. former team, cements place atop lineup
PHOENIX -- Jean Segura has hit safely in all but one game he has played this spring.
After Monday's 0-for-2 against his former team, the Brewers, Segura avenged that performance on Saturday by going 2-for-4. He opened with a triple on the game's second pitch and added an RBI single in the third as the D-backs and Brewers played to a 7-7 tie at Maryvale Baseball Park.
Segura is batting .521 with a 1.311 OPS this spring.
It was Segura's eighth multi-hit game and the first time he had been back to the Maryvale complex since the Brewers traded him to the D-backs in January.
"It felt normal, a regular game in Spring Training," Segura said. "It's good to know those guys [his former teammates] are OK, and [it was] nice to see them."
But Segura has moved on. He is in a three-man competition for playing time in the D-backs' middle infield, along with Nick Ahmed and Chris Owings. With a week left in Spring Training, manager Chip Hale hasn't given any clues as to which way he's leaning.
Until Saturday.
"We'd like Jean to be able to lead off," Hale said.
Segura, who was the leadoff batter on Saturday, liked hearing that when it was relayed to him.
"I came here to go, to make this club and help this team win some ballgames," Segura said. "I think for me, it's amazing to be in the leadoff spot. I worked so hard in the offseason to make adjustments for this season."
As for whether Segura plays second base or shortstop -- he has primarily played at short this spring -- Segura admitted he hasn't felt comfortable at second, but he'll wait for a decision like everyone else.
"We have to wait until Chip makes that decision, to where everybody's going to go," Segura said. "I'm not going to lie, you guys, I'm not really comfortable at second. It's a new position. You're never going to feel comfortable where you've never played."