Whit Merrifield (toe) ironman streak to end at 553 games

Kansas City Royals second baseman/outfielder Whit Merrifield is in a walking boot and will be sidelined until after the All-Star break with a bone bruise and ligament swelling in his right toe.

The injury will end Merrifield's ironman streak of 553 consecutive games played, a Royals franchise record. Cal Ripken Jr. holds the major league record of 2,632 straight games.

The Royals play a doubleheader Monday against the D