Brewers' Segura leaves team indefinitely after 9-month-old son passes away

Baseball has presently taken a backseat for the Milwaukee Brewers, whose clubhouse has been rocked by a tragedy far bigger than the sport. On Friday, shortstop Jean Segura's nine-month-old son passed away. 

Segura and his teammates learned the news Friday night, after the Brewers' 7-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Afterwards, manager Ron Roenicke briefly addressed reporters, in what was described as a cracking voice:

"There's been a death in one of the families of one of our players, so I don't want to answer questions," he said. "For respect of him right now, we're not going to let anybody in the clubhouse. Sorry, but these things are tough and I just don't want to leave any players open to anything." 

Segura has left the team to travel back to his native Dominican Republic to be with his family. Roenicke expressed worry for Segura - who the team placed on the bereavement list - and said that the shortstop will return to the team "when he's ready." 

Losing a loved one is devastating no matter the circumstances, but it's difficult to imagine a more painful reality than that of a parent who has lost a child. It will probably be some time before Segura is ready to think about baseball again. 

Said teammate Carlos Gomez: "I have two kids, and this broke my heart... If he's coming back, we're going to take care of him and help him to relax and enjoy life again."

Added Roenicke, on the rest of the team returning to baseball: "This is a game we’re playing. It’s certainly not as important as life, but we know it’s important to a lot of people in the community."

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Segura and his family.