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Kansas City Royals infielder Whit Merrifield left Sunday’s 5-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians with right toe discomfort. That issue prevented him from starting in the opening game of Monday’s doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers and also cost him an impressive streak.
Per ESPN/The Associated Press and Lynn Worthy of the Kansas City Star, Merrifield had his franchise-record streak for consecutive games end at 553. The two-time All-Star selection held MLB’s longest active consecutive games streak before Monday’s development.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson now holds the league’s longest active streak of consecutive games at 221. Merrifield began his run back on June 24, 2018, but is now expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks due to the toe problem.
“It’s going to be different,” Merrifield said before watching Monday’s contest as a spectator. “It’s going to be unfortunate that it had to happen this way. But I’ve been … lucky is a good word for it in some instances. But I’ve put myself in a good position to play every day physically. Mentality-wise, I’ve shown up ready to play no matter the circumstance whether I was going good or bad.
“It’s been a long run. I’m proud of it. I’m not sure it will be touched anytime soon by someone that plays the way I play it. Maybe like a DH or a first baseman. But to bounce around, play multiple positions, run, steal bases, play in the weather that KC has to offer. I’m pretty proud of the number I put up.”
Merrifield began Monday batting .240 with five home runs, 36 RBI, and a .635 OPS across 84 games this season. The 33-year-old has repeatedly been mentioned in trade rumors ahead of the Aug. 2 deadline.
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