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Jean Segura out 10-12 weeks with broken finger that will require surgery

Jean Segura is out with. a broken finger. (Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire)

When it rains, it pours.

Prior to their series finale against the San Francisco Giants Wednesday, Joe Girardi told reporters in the Philadelphia Phillies’ dugout that second baseman Jean Segura’s broken finger will require surgery, which will put him out for 10-12 weeks. Girardi said that Segura’s surgery could take place as early as Friday.

“It’s a big loss,” Girardi acknowledged. “Jean is an everyday player that’s productive for us. It gives guys an opportunity to step up, and we’re going to need guys to step up. But it’s unfortunate.”

Segura injured the finger trying to bunt in the bottom of the seventh inning in Tuesday evening’s loss to the Giants. The two-time All-Star left without really any conversation with the trainer.

The Phillies hope that Segura will be able to return in September. 2022 is the final guaranteed year of Segura’s contract. The Phillies have a $17 million club option for 2023, which comes with a $1 million buyout if they choose not to exercise it.

In the meantime, the Phillies are 21-29, with their season very much on the ropes. They’re going to need someone (or multiple someones) to step up and replace Segura.

Nick Maton has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Maton — who slashed .256/.323/.385 with a .708 OPS in 117 at-bats in 2021 — will hit eighth and start at second base this evening.

Johan Camargo will start at third base tonight, with Alec Bohm DHing since Bryce Harper is out of the lineup with right forearm tightness. Camargo has a 0.8 fWAR in 40 games this season for the Phillies.

Bryson Stott will start at shortstop Wednesday. However, after an excellent showing in Spring Training, the 24-year-old is hitting just .123 in 73 at-bats this season. His double Wednesday was just the second extra-base hit of his career.

When asked about Scott Kingery, Girardi said “I think everyone is in the mix right now.” Kingery is hitting just .186 in 43 at-bats at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, as the 28-year-old continues to work his way back from a torn right labrum that turned 2021 into a lost season. He’s not currently on the 40-man roster.

The Phillies will hope for the best at second base from their internal options in Segura’s absence. It’s hard to imagine that’s what they expect behind the scenes.

Could president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski make a Tadahito Iguchi-esque trade in an attempt to stabilize the position until Segura returns?

“We haven’t talked about that yet,” Girardi said. “But you know, Dave is the type of president of baseball ops that he’s always looking to improve the club in any way he can. So I’m sure he’s looking at everything.”

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The Nuggets

Roman Quinn was designated for assignment Wednesday. Girardi said that the Phillies are hopeful Quinn will remain in the organization if he clears waivers. The Phillies prefer the speedster to be in a role where he’s a pinch runner and defensive replacement, but right now have other needs on their roster that forced them to make the decision to part ways with the 29-year-old.

Didi Gregorius, the team’s Opening Day shortstop, will DH today for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and then the Phillies will make an evaluation on what the next steps for the 32-year-old are. A left knee sprain has kept Gregorius from appearing for the Phillies since May 4.
LHP Cristopher Sánchez was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley Wednesday. The 25-year-old has a 5.40 ERA in 12 games for the Phillies between 2021 and 2022.