Traveling back

A lot has happened to Jean Segura since the last time he made an appearance at Dickey-Stephens Park.

In 2012, Segura was a speedy 22-year-old middle infielder in the Los Angeles Angels organization. He showed major league promise with his consistent bat, a solid glove and base-stealing ability. By late July, Segura was playing in his first big-league game.

Segura was an all-star shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2013, led the National League in hits (203) and at bats (637) in 2016 and has played for four different organizations.

Segura returned to North Little Rock on Friday for the first time since 2012, making a three-day rehab assignment.

Segura's return to central Arkansas sparked fond memories for the San Juan, Dominican Republic, native.

"I had a good time here," said Segura, now 27 and playing for the Seattle Mariners. "I had a couple of friends here from the Dominican and we lived together. The travel was a little difficult. We had to take a taxi every time we came to the field. It was a difficult time, but at the same time, I really enjoyed it."

Segura was a member of the Angels' 40-man roster while with the Travs in 2012. He played 95 games for Arkansas, batting .294 with 7 home runs, 5 triples and 40 RBI. He also stole 33 bases.

In late July of that season, he was taken out of a game during the sixth inning.

"I remember that game," Segura said. "I had just stolen a base and scored a run and the manager [Mike Micucci] took me out of the game. When I came to the dugout, everybody started hugging me, shaking my hand and telling me, 'congratulations.'

"I was like, 'congratulations for what?' That's when they told me I'd been called up to the big leagues. I was happy but I couldn't sleep that night."

Segura played one game for the Angels -- going 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts on July 24. Three days later, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers along with John Hellweg and Ariel Pena for pitcher Zack Greinke.

Named as the Brewers' opening-day shortstop in 2013, Segura was selected as a National League reserve for the All-Star Game. He finished the year hitting .294 with 12 home runs and 44 stolen bases.

Segura spent two more seasons in Milwaukee before getting traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a five-player deal in 2016. In 153 games last season, Segura had a career-high .319 batting average with a league-leading 203 hits, 41 doubles, 33 stolen bases, 20 home runs and 64 RBI.

Seattle acquired Segura in another five-player deal on Nov. 23.

"You can't control that," Segura said of the trades. "I'm just trying to do my job. Unfortunately, I've been traded a lot and I don't know why. I don't think I'm the kind of person that disrespected anyone in baseball, but it's part of business, it's a part of sports. A lot of players get traded, especially when you get close to being a free agent."

Segura played the first eight games of the current season before suffering a strained right hamstring and being placed on the 10-day disabled list, the final three days of which are being spent in Arkansas.

He was the Travelers' designated hitter Friday, is expected to play six innings tonight and a full game on Sunday before leaving for Detroit, where he will rejoin the Mariners.

Segura said his hamstring has improved and that he hopes his time back in central Arkansas is productive for him and the Travelers. He also said he has noticed few changes at Dickey-Stephens Park.

"I really like this stadium," Segura said. "It's beautiful. When I got traded to the Brewers, I really missed the stadium. I really like the people here and I feel comfortable playing here."

Sports on 04/22/2017