Acquired via a trade with the New York Yankees, Rob Segedin has found another home with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his two seasons with the organization, he has seen time in the Major Leagues, with his bat making a steady impact.
Although the 2017 campaign wasn’t necessarily a healthy one, he was able to work on his craft and also gain a little recognition on the international level.
Segedin was a sparkplug for Team Italy during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, making clutch plays that almost pushed Italy into the second round. He finished the tournament 3-for-13, with a double, a home run, three RBIs, and three runs scored. Whether or not his appearance on the Italian national team had an impact on making the Opening Day roster could be debated, but the Dodgers also knew what they had with Segedin.
The Dodgers optioned Segedin to Triple-A at the start of the season in order to give him consistent at-bats and to add to the Dodgers depth they desperately needed throughout the season. He would stay there, but not for too long, as he was recalled on April 17.
His season would take a turn for the worse just two days later, as he was diagnosed with a nagging turf toe injury that would require a stint on the disabled list.
His rehab process turned into a stagnant one, as the Dodgers were unable to see much progress for the 29-year-old outfielder. Two weeks later, the Dodgers announced that Segedin would also undergo corrective surgery on his wrist.
He would return on a rehab assignment in early August with Triple-A, before finally returning to the Dodgers on Aug. 15. Segedin appeared in just one game, going 0-for-3 against the Chicago White Sox before being optioned back down.
After dealing with the turf toe and wrist injuries, the bumpy road back and forth between the Major and Minor Leagues ended with a September call-up. He would then appear in 10 games over the final month of the season, going 3-for-13, with two doubles, two runs scored, and an RBI.
2017 Highlight:
Segedin’s best performance, albeit in limited opportunities, came on Sept. 25 against the San Diego Padres. The 2010 draft pick went 2-for-4, with a double, RBI, and run scored.
2018 Outlook:
Segedin’s versatility is something the Dodgers front office and coaching staff values, so he will likely play a similar role in 2018, although hopefully, he can remain healthy.
He’ll have a chance to win an Opening Day roster spot in Spring Training, although it will be a tall task. Even if he begins the season with Triple-A once again, he provides the Dodgers valuable depth and will be on the Major League roster at some point in the season.
