With San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner set to make his Kauffman Stadium return on Wednesday night, Royals manager Ned Yost opted for Whit Merrifield over Raul Mondesi at second base.
Merrifield, who started in right field Tuesday after being recalled from Class AAA Omaha, will make his first start at second in a right-handed heavy lineup. The Royals will hope to combat the left-handed Bumgarner with Cheslor Cuthbert at designated hitter and Paulo Orlando in right field.
Merrifield finished 2 for 3 with a solo homer and two walks on Tuesday in his first game back with the Royals, a 2-1 loss to the Giants in 11 innings.