Segura's All-Star role to depend on Tulo's health

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers shortstop Jean Segura will be scanning the news in the coming days for updates on fellow National League All-Star Troy Tulowitzki, whose rehab from a broken rib will determine whether Segura remains an NL reserve or moves into the starting lineup.

"If I start, it's going to be great," Segura said. "But I don't want anybody to get hurt. Tulo is a great player, and I think right now he is the only guy who can start over me, you know?"

Segura was correct about that. Tulowitzki was voted to the NL starting lineup by fans, and if he cannot play because of injury, Segura would get the nod by rule, as the top vote-getter among shortstops on the players' ballot.

He received 438 votes from his peers to Tulowitzki's 309.

Tulowitzki has indicated that he believes he will be ready to start the All-Star Game, but will only do so if he is able to play for the Rockies first. He took an aggressive round of batting practice on Saturday and was scheduled for another on Sunday. If all goes well, a brief Minor League rehab assignment could follow.

"It's still up in the air," Tulowitzki said.

Said Segura: "He is a great player, so I think if he would go, he would start."

Either way, Segura is in for a hectic All-Star break. Things have been hectic for the now 23-year-old since last July, when the Brewers acquired him from the Angels as the centerpiece of a package for Zack Greinke. By August, Segura was in the Majors, and after a successful late-season stint with the Brewers, he played for the Gigantes in the Dominican Winter League, winning the batting title with a .324 average.

Then it was back to the Brewers for Spring Training and his first Major League Opening Day roster. On Sunday, Segura made his 83rd start in the Brewers' 87th game.

His all-out style of play has taken a toll, as have a series of opponents' pitches that have struck Segura on the hands and wrists. Would Segura benefit from some rest over the All-Star break instead? Yes, manager Ron Roenicke said.

But Segura will instead revel in the pomp and circumstance of baseball's All-Star showcase.

"I don't care. It's the All-Star Game. I don't care how tired I am," Segura said. "This is something that you never forget."