Segura garners NL Player of Week honors

The Brewers have lost nine of their last 10, but shortstop Jean Segura's outstanding play during the past week earned him National League Player of the Week honors for the period ending May 12.

"It's amazing," Segura said. "It's like a dream come true, when you win a honor like that you have to feel very good."

In five games last week, Segura hit an NL-best .500 over 20 at-bats while leading the league in slugging percentage (.950) and on-base percentage (.545).

The 23-year-old from San Juan, Dominican Republic, had his first four-hit game in Saturday's 13-7 loss to the Reds.

"I thank God for giving me the ability that I have," Segura said. "What I've done comes through hard work, and what I did during the offseason and in Spring Training, and be comfortable, and just play your game and work hard. When you work hard you are going to be a success."

Segura, acquired from the Angels last July as part of the deal for Zack Greinke, was expected to make an impact after hitting .264 over 44 games with the Brewers last season. But the power outburst has been a pleasant surprise.

After adding two homers and three doubles last week, Segura has six doubles, three triples and six homers this season.

"Everything he's doing is really good," manager Ron Roenicke said last week. "I didn't think he'd be hitting whatever he is now.

"He is really playing well -- driving the ball, stealing bases. The defense -- we knew he was going to be good defensively, but I still thought he would make some mistakes, just being young. He's not making too many mistakes."

Segura is the second Brewers player to win Player of the Week honors this year, following Carlos Gomez, who took home the award in the third week of April.

While Gomez leads the NL with a .371 average, Segura is second at .359.

"I did not think he'd be this advanced both ways -- defensively and offensively," Roenicke said. "He's consistently made good plays this year. He's been outstanding."