Merrifield was optioned Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield will likely head back to Triple-A Omaha as Raul Mondesi, one of Kansas City's top prospects, gets called up. Although Merrifield has been a productive batter in the Royals' lineup, as evidenced by his .271 season average spanning 210 at-bats, he's been slumping since mid-July, going 1-for-17 (.059) over his last seven games.