Segura returns to lineup to face Nationals

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers All-Star shortstop Jean Segura was back hitting third in the lineup Friday after missing two straight games followed by the off-day Thursday.

Segura had been in a 3-for-23 skid and had been hit on the forearm by a pitch against the Rockies over the weekend before going 2-for-4 in Tuesday's doubleheader opener against the Cubs. He sat out the second game in a move that manager Ron Roenicke said was preplanned.

Segura did pinch-hit in Tuesday's nightcap and singled before scoring the game's winning run in the ninth inning.

"Just wanted to keep it fresh and come back here and continue to work," Segura said. "Just a couple days to get rest."

Segura said he agreed with Roenicke's move to sit him prior to the off-day Thursday, but said numerous nagging injuries have not affected his timing.

"No, just needed a little more rest," he said.

Already missing Ryan Braun due to a suspension and Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart out with injuries, Roenicke was just happy to pencil Segura's name into his lineup card Friday.

"Yeah, any time we have him out there, it's a good thing," Roenicke said.