Merrifield is starting in center field and hitting leadoff Wednesday against the Angels, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With regular leadoff man Jon Jay being traded to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, manager Ned Yost will turn to Merrifield to takeover as the team's table setter. The 29-year-old is hitting a solid .286/.368/.419 with four homers and 14 stolen bases across 58 games this season.

Merrifield will get the day off for Wednesday's series finale against Minnesota, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield has put together a modest six-game hitting streak, in which he's batting .320 with five RBI. He'll make way for Ryan Goins, who's slated to bat eighth.

Merrifield went went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three stolen bases Sunday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield nearly doubled his stolen base total in one game, as he now has seven for the season. All three of his stolen bases came against Matthew Boyd, including two that came on one plate appearance. His stolen base production will be key to his value going forward, as the poor Royals' lineup surrounding him will likely limit his other counting stats.

Merrifield is out of the lineup against Detroit on Saturday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield will receive a typical day off following nine straight starts while Ryan Goins draws the assignment at second base. Expect to see Merrifield back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale.

Merrifield is not in the lineup Thursday against the White Sox, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield is heating up at the plate, hitting safely in six of his last seven games and hitting three home runs in that span. He'll head to the bench for a night off Thursday however, allowing Ryan Goins to pick up a start at the keystone.

Merrifield went 1-for-5 with a home run in Sunday's 8-5 victory over the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

After a quiet start to the season, Merrifield has hit three home runs over the last five games. In that time he's gathered five of his seven RBI for the year and scored four runs. Although he seems to be finding his power, Merrifield's .266 batting average has room to climb after hitting .288 in 2017.

Merrifield went 1-for-5 with a solo home run during a 3-2 win over the Tigers in the second game of Friday's doubleheader.

EDGE Analysis

After going 3-for-5 in the opener, Merrifield came through with his second homer of the season in the nightcap -- both of which have come in the last three games. The 29-year-old is now slashing .271/.354/.400 on the year, and the surprising power he displayed in 2017 appears to be returning along with warmer weather.

Merrifield went 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI, two runs and a pair of walks in Wednesday's loss to the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Not much went right for the Royals on Wednesday, but Merrifield was a bit of a bright spot in reaching base three times and leaving the yard for the first time this year. Following a season in which he hit .288 with 19 home runs and 34 steals, owners certainly were hoping for more than what they've gotten so far out of the 29-year-old. He's struck out at least once in seven straight contests now -- and 10 of the last 11 -- so if he's able to put the ball in play more often or work more walks like he was able to Wednesday, the results may start to turn.

Merrifield is starting in center field and hitting second Saturday against the Angels, 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

He already has one start in right field, so it's possible he will gain outfield eligibility in some formats this season. Ryan Goins is starting at second base in this game, so if manager Ned Yost prefers this arrangement, it could become a regular setup. Given Merrifield's speed, it's possible that he would be a more valuable defender in the outfield. He is hitting .255 (.308 BABIP) with zero home runs and one steal on two attempts in 52 plate appearances.

Merrifield went 1-for-4 (.222) and had a strikeout in Sunday's loss to Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

After hitting 19 home runs and stealing 34 bases last season, Merrifield has yet to homer or swipe a bag in seven games to begin the year. The 29-year-old also only has one RBI to go along with his lackluster .222 average. However, as long as Merrifield keeps making solid contact at the plate -- only three strikeouts in 27 at-bats so far in 2018 -- those counting stats should eventually begin to build up when his .238 BABIP rises to the mean.