“I’m feeling really, really good,” Phillies infielder Jean Segura stated this past week.
Considering the Phillies need a more consistent bat back in their lineup due to the struggles of Bryson Stott and Didi Gregorius, this is like music to fans’ ears.
Back on May 31, Phillies middle infielder Jean Segura tried to lay down a bunt in an at-bat against the Giants. However, the ball 84MPH four-seam fastball thrown by Tyler Rogers caught the Phillies shortstop on the hand, breaking his right index finger. Only a few days later, Segura had to get surgery.
Jean Segura leaves the game after getting hit in the hand pic.twitter.com/xVXHgnEGNA
— Brodes Media (@BrodesMedia) June 1, 2022
Jean Segura was given a 10-12 week timeline at the time, and was inevitably placed on the 60-day DL. However, it only took about a month until he was on the field taking grounders.
The pin is out of Jean Segura’s fractured right index finger. He’s taking some grounders at second, but not throwing with the right hand yet. There isn’t a timetable on when he could return. pic.twitter.com/QLzB7FbZeG
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) July 5, 2022
It’s no secret that Segura is a competitor, and wants to return to the field as soon as possible. As Jean mentioned after fielding those ground balls, “I’m not letting this thing go 10 to 12 weeks. I don’t think that’s going to happen. As soon as I feel I can grip the bat and take a couple of swings… I don’t need more than that.”
That takes us to the latest news on the right-handed bat. Segura believes he could be ready to play in the majors when the Phillies open a homestand on August 4th, a day after his 60-day DL stint expires. NBCSports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury notes how Segura is ahead of schedule, but manager Rob Thomson states that he may be a bit ambitious.
Jean Segura hopes to begin a rehab assignment next week. Thinks he could rejoin #Phillies following PIT and ATL road trip. He has been hitting and throwing recently without issue.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 22, 2022
Segura will join the team sooner than teammate and reigning MVP Bryce Harper, who is hoping for good news on Monday. There, Harper will hear an update on his thumb as he has a re-evaluation with his surgeon. The Phillies have done all of this damage without their All-Star DH and middle infield staple, and have to capitalize when both return.
Coincidentally, Segura got surgery the same day Joe Girardi was fired. It’s no secret that the Phillies have gone streaking since, immediately winning 19 games in June and nine so far in July.
However, the Phillies still need a lot of help. Segura, who was batting .275 with six homers and 18 RBI before his injury, has been a consistent bat in the lineup for years. Along with this, his fielding would be a clear upgrade over his replacements.
Didi Gregorius has been having a forgetful year. Didi is batting a mere .229 with only one home run this season. His -5 defensive runs saved don’t make up for his bat, either. The same goes for Bryson Stott and his .186 batting average and -1 defensive runs saved (DRS). As a team, the Phillies rank toward the bottom of the league in DRS at both the shortstop and second base positions.
Meanwhile, Johan Camargo and Yairo Munoz haven’t been the worst, but they’re both not Jean Segura. Camargo and Munoz provide spark and versatility, but not consistency.
Segura would add a better batting average, a more consistent glove, and a 1.2 WAR (8th on team) to the Phillies everyday lineup. With him and Bryce Harper itching to see the field again, the Phillies simply improve their playoff chances with them back in the mix.
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With some of the Phillies top guys in the rankings to return soon for the team’s playoff push, you can bet the Phillies to make the playoffs. If you’re feeling confident that these guys will make a positive impact, you can get the Phillies to make the playoffs at -110.
If you think Jean Segura and Bryce Harper can make an even bigger impact, their odds to win the division sit at +2500 as they currently sit 8.5 games back of the Mets.
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