DETROIT -- Royals super-utility man Whit Merrifield has a chance to lead the American League in two offensive categories this season -- stolen bases and hits.
Merrifield, who led the AL in steals last year, is poised to do so again. He entered Thursday's game against Detroit with 36, three ahead of both Cleveland's Jose Ramirez and Tampa Bay's Mallex Smith.
That much Merrifield knew. But he didn't know how close he is to being the AL leader in hits. With 177, Merrifield trails Boston's J.