Getting first start with new club Merrifield (finger) will start at second base and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Brewers. Impact Merrifield came off the bench and stole a base in Atlanta's 3-2 loss to the Mets last Thursday, but he otherwise hadn't played since joining the club on a one-year deal July 22. That same day, Merrifield injured a finger on his throwing hand during pregame warmups, but the issue wasn't serious enough for Atlanta to place him on the injured list at any point. With manager Brian Snitker noting Tuesday that Merrifield's finger has improved to the point that he can throw without issue, the 35-year-old appears poised to serve as Atlanta's everyday second baseman until Ozzie Albies (wrist) is ready to return from the IL. Rookie Nacho Alvarez had been serving as the primary option at the keystone for the past week and a half, but he struggled mightily at the plate and was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.
JULY 31 • ROTOWIRE
