Jordy Mercer made his second straight start at shortstop Monday, going 2-for-3 against the Marlins.

Mercer made his second straight start at shortstop Monday, going 2-for-3 against the Marlins.

Analysis:

In a sign that the team trusts Mercer's defense over Jung-Ho Kang's at shortstop, the fourth-year player started with ground-ball inducing pitcher, Charlie Morton, on the mound. In fact, Morton induced 16 ground outs to zero fly ball outs. Manager Clint Hurdle typically goes with the hot hand and Mercer appears to be heating up -- look for increased playing time in the near term.