Mercer went two homers, a double, two RBI and three runs scored in Monday's 8-6 loss to Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Mercer had just one homer in 85 at-bats this season prior to his multi-homer effort Monday, including a solo shot off closer Brad Hand. It was just his second career two-homer game and first since 2013. However, the 32-year-old is still sporting an unsightly .664 OPS.

Mercer is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niko Goodrum will draw the nod at shortstop while Mercer receives a breather for the first time during the second half. Given that 32-year-old Mercer is headed for free agency over the winter and doesn't have much value for a rebuilding club, he could see his opportunities dwindle in the final two months of the season if he remains with Detroit following the July 31 trade deadline.

Mercer will sit for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Mercer went 0-for-3 with a walk in the day's first game. Niko Goodrum will be the shortstop in his absence.

Mercer (quadriceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list and will start Tuesday against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Mercer wound up missing nearly two months with a right quad strain. He hit just .206/.275/.317 in 19 games prior to suffering the injury. He'll bat eighth and play shortstop Tuesday.

Mercer (quadriceps) will be activated from the 10-day injured list Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Mercer landed on the shelf May 9 due to a right quad strain, and after suffering a few setbacks, he's finally ready to return. Ronny Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move.

Mercer (quadriceps) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mercer has been on the injured list since early May with the right quad strain but appears to be closing in on his return. The 32-year-old previously began a rehab assignment in late May only to suffer a setback. Mercer figures to require a handful of rehab games to get back up to speed before rejoining the Tigers.

Mercer (quadriceps) ran the bases Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mercer was able to complete a series of baserunning drills, which included sprinting to first base, rounding the bases and stopping and starting. If the veteran shortstop checks out OK in the coming days, he could be cleared to resume a minor-league rehab assignment as soon as this weekend.

Mercer continues to receive treatment for his strained right quadriceps but is still awaiting clearance to resume a minor-league rehab assignment, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. "Every time we get moving forward, he feels it again," manager Ron Gardenhire said, regarding Mercer's recovery from the injury. "He's really frustrated. I quit giving him grief even."

EDGE Analysis

Mercer was placed on the 10-day injured list in early May for a second time this season due to the quad injury, which he then aggravated during a May 28 rehab game at Triple-A Toledo. He's been shut down for the past two weeks as a result of the setback, but doesn't seem to have made any notable strides in his recovery. It's looking unlikely that Mercer will be back from the IL until late June, affording Niko Goodrum some more security as the Tigers' everyday shortstop.

Mercer (quadriceps) will get a second opinion from Dr. Daniel Cooper on Monday, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mercer was pulled from his rehab stint earlier in the week after experiencing right quad discomfort, though it now appears he's dealing with an acute on chronic muscle strain. He'll explore all of his options prior to beginning the next step in his recovery process.

Mercer's (quadriceps) rehab was put on hold Wednesday after the shortstop left the game with an injury the night before, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mercer's injured was originally described as right quad discomfort but has now been diagnosed with an acute on chronic muscle strain. He'll receive a second opinion soon, at which point his return timeline could become more clear.