Royals' Whit Merrifield: Out of lineup Saturday

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

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 in July. Christian Colon will get the nod at second base Saturday.