Segura returns amidst tragedy

Jean Segura has rejoined the Milwaukee Brewers for the start of a series against the Nationals after returning home following the death of his infant son.

“He will be in Washington,” Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. “We’ll sit down with him tomorrow and just make sure everything is good before we activate him.”

Segura had gone back to the Dominican Republic after his 9-month-old son, Janniel, died. Roenicke said he had not expected the shortstop to return so soon.

“He told me he felt like he needed to do it to take his mind off of it,” Roenicke said. “He’ll be doing something he enjoys.”

The Brewers placed infielder Jeff Bianchi on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow strain, which clears a roster space for Segura. With Bianchi injured, Elian Herrera would serve as Segura’s backup at short.

Roenicke said it’s likely to be a day-to-day decision with Segura for a while.

“I don’t know if this will be an on-again, off-again thing with him. Some days he may not be there to play. We’ll see how that goes,” he said.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said the organization is “rooting for Jean to get back out there.”

“I think we take young players for granted. They are away from their families. To have what happened to Jean is very tough on the team, too,” Melvin said.

Segura is being accompanied on the trip by his mother, wife, uncle and a friend.

Texas adds catchers

The Texas Rangers now have four catchers on their 25-man roster.

The Rangers recalled opening day starting catcher J.P. Arencibia from Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday, the same day they made the expected move of activating catcher Geovany Soto from the 60-day disabled list.

Struggling first baseman Carlos Pena was designated for assignment after playing only 18 games in his return to the Rangers.

Soto and Arencibia joined the team for a workout in Toronto, along with catchers Robinson Chirinos and Chris Gimenez.

Jays get Mills back

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed Brad Mills off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, bringing the left-handed pitcher back to the team that drafted him.

The 29-year-old Mills started three games for Oakland this season, going 1-1 with a 4.41 ERA.

Mendoza to Yomiuri

Pitcher Hector Mendoza has signed with the Yomiuri Giants, becoming the third Cuban to join Japan’s Central League team this season.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 20-year-old right-hander has a 6-4 record with 13 saves and a 2.35 ERA in the Cuban baseball league this season.