Angels’ Segura survives collision

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Jean Segura, the Angels’ top infield prospect, was removed from Monday’s exhibition win over the Oakland Athletics after an ugly sixth-inning collision with first baseman Andy LaRoche.

Segura, a 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic, was racing up the line after hitting a groundball to third. But the throw to first was high and when LaRoche went up to get it, the two players tangled, going down in a heap.

Segura, who at 5 feet 11 and 155 pounds was giving up 60 pounds to LaRoche, had his batting helmet broken in two by the impact. He remained on the ground next to first base for several minutes as trainers tended to him. He eventually got to his feet and walked to the clubhouse under his own power.

The Angels later said Segura wasn’t seriously injured on the play but was removed from the game primarily for precautionary reasons.

Segura hit .313 with a career-high 50 stolen bases for Class-A Cedar Rapids last season. He has a career average of .321 in four minor league seasons and is ranked by Baseball America as the third-best player in the organization’s development system behind center fielder Mike Trout and right-hander Tyler Chatwood.

--Kevin Baxter in Tempe, Ariz.