Merrifield and the Blue Jays declined his mutual option for the 2024 season Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The option was worth $18 million, so it's little surprise the team is willing to move on given that Merrifield lost playing down the final stretch of the season. He'll be entering his age-35 season, so Merrifield could be looking for a final payday. He maintained a .700 OPS with 11 home runs and 26 steals across 592 plate appearances in 2023.

Merrifield is not in the lineup for Tuesday's AL Wild Card Series opener against the Twins, Ben Wagner of Sportsnet Radio reports.

EDGE Analysis

Given his usage down the stretch of the regular season, it's not a surprise to see Merrifield begin this one on the bench. The Blue Jays are opting for Cavan Biggio at second base, Daulton Varsho in left field and Kevin Kiermaier in center.

Merrifield was added to the lineup for Wednesday's game at Yankee Stadium.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield will play second base and bat sixth with Cavan Biggio shifting over to first base. Spencer Horwitz is now serving as the Blue Jays' designated hitter after Vladimir Guerrero (knee) was a late scratch.

Merrifield is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Wednesday's absence marks just three starts in Toronto's past nine games for Merrifield, as his .549 OPS since the start of August appears to have caught up to him. Daulton Varsho continues to work as the primary left fielder, while Cavan Biggio has a hot stick while seeing regular at-bats in a utility role.

Merrifield is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.careports.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield is 3-for-32 in his past nine games and finds himself on the bench for the third time in Toronto's last four contests. The veteran utility man and Daulton Varsho have been splitting time in left field of late, with both players have struggled in September with a sub-.700 OPS.

Merrifield is out of the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier and Cavan Biggio will start across the outfield for the Blue Jays as Davis Schneider handles second base. Merrifield went 1-for-5 with a walk and an RBI in Toronto's win Saturday versus Boston.

Merrifield is not in the lineup Friday against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Merrifield missed some time earlier this week due to left groin tightness, though he should be available off the bench for the Blue Jays in Friday's series opener versus Boston. Cavan Biggio is starting at second base and Daulton Varsho will play left field. Davis Schneider is serving as Toronto's designated hitter.

Merrifield (groin) is starting in left field and batting fifth against the Rangers on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 34-year-old sat out the previous two games with groin tightness but will return to the starting nine Wednesday versus Texas lefty Jordan Montgomery. Merrifield is mired in a 1-for-20 slump and has seen his playing time against right-handed pitchers slip, with Davis Schneider handling a larger role at second base.

Merrifield, who is out of Tuesday's lineup against the Rangers, is dealing with left groin tightness, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Davidi, Merrifield is likely available off the bench. He may not have started anyway against tough righty Max Scherzer, as Merrifield has seen his playing time slip against same-handed pitching.

Merrifield is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

It seems that Merrifield has fallen into the short side of a platoon, as this will be Merrifield's third straight game sitting against a righty. He last started against a righty Sept. 8.