Merrifield was recalled by the Royals on Tuesday, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield was recalled as a corresponding roster move after optioning Jake Junis to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday. The Royals will waste no time getting Merrifield at-bats, as it was also reported that he'll get the start Tuesday, though the Royals haven't confirmed that yet. The 28-year-old was off to a hot start at Triple-A, going 14-for-34 (.412) with three homers and nine RBI, and could gradually take at-bats from Raul Mondesi if he's able to carry that production to the big leagues.

Merrifield is hitting .364/.400/.864 through 22 at-bats over six games with Triple-A Omaha.

EDGE Analysis

One of the more surprising decisions across all of MLB this spring was the Royals choice to roster Raul Mondesi over Merrifield. The former is currently slashing .148/.179/.259 through 30 plate appearances in the big leagues while the latter tears up minor-league pitchers. It's tough to gauge where the organization stands on this one considering Merrifield would likely improve the Royals offense, but Mondesi is a big part of the club's future plans. If Merrifield continues to destroy Triple-A arms, the team might have no choice but to bring him up and find a place for the 28-year-old to play.

Merrifield was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

A mediocre spring showing and adequate infield depth left the Royals without much of a need for Merrifield on the 25-man roster. Over 29 games this spring he hit .267 with a .710 OPS. Although it's likely that he'll make his way up to the big club at some point this season, Merrifield will return to Omaha where he'll be in a position to get frequent reps at second base.

Merrifield went 1-for-2 with an RBI, a walk and a stolen base in Wednesday's 6-2 victory over the Padres in Cactus League play.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield's five stolen bases during Cactus League games are tops among all Royals players, and his contributions on the basepaths to go with a .389 on-base percentage have kept him in the mix for the starting job at second base to begin the season. Unfortunately for Merrifield, Raul Mondesi has been even more impressive in the batter's box during the spring and appears to be the frontrunner for the Opening Day gig at the keystone, so Merrifield may be more realistically competing with Christian Colon for a utility role in the infield at this stage of spring camp.

Merrifield is among the candidates being considered for the Royals' second-base job in 2017, the Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals will likely face significant financial restrictions in their bid to upgrade the roster this winter, leaving second base as a position where internal options may have an open competition for the starting job in spring training. In addition to Merrifield, the Royals are considering Cheslor Cuthbert, Christian Colon, and Raul Mondesi for the job. Merrifield hit .283/.323/.392 with two homers and eight steals in 81 games, but he seems better suited for a part-time role as he'll turn 28 in January.

Merrifield got his first career start at first base Sunday and went 3-for-5 with a double, a triple, two runs scored and an RBI in a win over the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

He's now hitting .329/.365/.443 in 79 September at-bats, and Merrifield's bat and defensive versatility will likely make him the Royals' top utility player in 2017.

Merrifield went 2-for-5 with a double, a steal, an RBI and two runs against the White Sox on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

A cold stretch got Merrifield demoted in late July, but he's been doing plenty of hitting since getting recalled Sept. 2 -- the 27-year-old rookie has gone 20-for-57 (.351) with a couple steals, nine RBI and 10 runs this month. Merrifield's been an everyday lineup presence lately, making him a viable down-the-stretch play in deeper formats.

The Royals recalled Merrifield from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield has played with Omaha since late July, but he saw extensive action with the Royals earlier this season, appearing in 53 games. He played both the infield and outfield at both levels, so he figures to work as a super-utility player for the big club during September.

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.

Merrifield is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield has already lost his spot in the top third of the lineup and his playing time is now trending in the wrong direction, as Saturday's absence marks his fourth in the team's last seven games. He's batting just .180/.255/.260 for the month of July. Christian Colon will get the nod at second base Saturday.