Merrifield went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, three runs, a walk and a stolen base in Thursday 13-2 rout over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield batted out of his customary leadoff spot and led a relentless Royals attack in the easy win, belting a two-run homer in the second inning and coming around to score another run after drawing a walk and stealing a bag in the second. The 31-year-old is enjoying another productive campaign at the plate, slashing .298/.344/.561 with four home runs and 11 RBI through 61 plate appearances.

Merrifield went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and a caught stealing during Saturday's 11-5 loss to the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old was in the midst of a mini-slump as he was 0-for-9 over the past two games, but he got things going again Saturday. Merrifield is 12-for-37 with three home runs, three doubles, eight runs, nine RBI and one stolen base through nine games in 2020.

Merrifield went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run Tuesday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield took Rony Garcia deep in the third inning, supplying the entirety of the Royals' offense for the night. The shot was Merrifield's second of the season, and second in as many games. Having also recorded a steal in the team's season opener, Merrifield has gotten off to a strong start in the sprint season.

Merrifield went 3-for-5 with a homer, a double, three RBI and three runs scored in Monday's 14-6 win over the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield stuffed the stat sheet Monday, clocking a two-run homer in the third innings and an RBI double in the fourth. After earning his first All-Star nod in 2019, the 31-year-old utilityman is off to a hot start with a hit in each of his first four games to start the season.

Merrifield went 1-for-3 with a stolen base during Friday's 2-0 loss against the Indians.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield failed to make an impact at the top of the order, but the entire Royals lineup struggled in this season opener -- they went 4-for-30 and 0-for-2 with RISP. Merrifield is a good bet to produce sooner than later, though, as he racked up 206 hits while posting a .302 average and a .348 on-base percentage during the 2019 season.

Merrifield is expected to see more time in center field this season.

EDGE Analysis

The acquisition of Maikel Franco in December is pushing Hunter Dozier to right field, and Nicky Lopez is expected to work at second base. Merrifield appeared in 138 games between those two positions last season, while totaling 17 games in center field. Merrifield's trademark versatility means he's still likely to move around the diamond, but his role in center field figures to be more significant than previous seasons once baseball is able to resume.

Merrifield will likely take over as the Royals' primary center fielder in 2020, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals signed Maikel Franco on Thursday, so Hunter Dozier is likely to transition to a role in right field with Merrifield taking over the duties in center field. The 30-year-old's defensive versatility will also likely allow him to shift to different positions during the season if injuries should occur.

Merrifield went 2-for-5 with three runs Monday in the Royals' 6-5 win over the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield hasn't been running much lately -- he has three steals in five attempts since Aug. 1 -- but he's maintained his high-contact ways throughout the campaign and is on track for a second straight season with an average above .300. The 30-year-old has banged out two hits in each of his last three games and has accrued a .371/.391/.516 slash line thus far in September.

Merrifield went 3-for-5 with two runs scored Thursday against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield reached base as the leadoff hitter in the first inning, coming around to score on a Jorge Soler home run. Four frames later, he singled and ultimately came around to score again. The performance extended his hitting streak to 11 games, four of which have been multi-hit appearances. He now owns a .303/.353/.473 line across 614 plate appearances for the season.

Merrifield went 2-for-3 with two runs in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Athletics. He also reached base after being hit by a pitch.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield has put together a 10-game hitting streak, batting .302 over that stretch while providing a home run, a stolen base, five RBI and four runs. He'll occupy the leadoff spot in Thursday's series finale as he looks to extend the streak.