Merrifield is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old has remained a fixture atop the lineup for Kansas City despite his slow start to July (8-for-40), but the Royals have been struggling to score runs consistently and manager Ned Yost may be inclined turn back to Alcides Escobar in the leadoff spot more regularly. A move down in the order would obviously hurt Merrifield, as his run scoring chances would likely decrease significantly.