The common refrain on this site for years was “Death. Taxes. Escobar.” in reference to ironman Alcides Escobar’s constant presence in the lineup - even if his bat made that a questionable proposition. But now the meme might have to be adjusted to “Death. Taxes. Merrifield” after Whit surpassed Escobar to break the club consecutive games-played mark. Merrifield has played in every game since June 24, 2018, spanning 469 games. At this current pace, he will break Cal Ripken’s Major League consecutive games played record of 2,632 by June of 2035.
Unlike Escobar, however, Merrifield has been a solid bat at the top of the lineup.