Jordy Mercer SS

Mercer agreed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal with Detroit on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of FancredSports reports.

Mercer has found a new home after spending the past decade within the Pirates' organization. The 32-year-old will have a good chance to win the starting shortstop role while competing against Ronny Rodriguez and Dawel Lugo in spring training, though that's mainly due to his defensive acumen. Across 117 games this past season, Mercer slashed .251/.315/.381 with six home runs, 39 RBI and two stolen bases.

Mercer (forearm) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Reds.

The veteran shortstop exited Saturday's contest prematurely after being hit on the arm by a batted ball, and it seems like the Pirates will play things safe and keep him out of the final game of the season. Unless he manages to make a pinch-hit appearance, Mercer will end the season with a .696 OPS, six homers and 39 RBI, all of which are his lowest marks since 2015. Kevin Newman will take over at shortstop for the season finale.

Mercer left Saturday's game against the Reds with forearm discomfort after being struck by a batted ball.

The injury didn't appear serious -- though he was struck by 102-mph groundball -- and Mercer's removal was described as precautionary. In fact, he remained in the game and batted twice before leaving. With the year nearly over, however, even a one-game absence would spell the end of Mercer's season.

Mercer is not in the lineup Monday against the Reds.

Mercer will head to the bench for the third time in six games as the Pirates look to ease him back into action following his return from a calf injury last week. Kevin Newman is starting at shortstop and hitting eighth in his place.

Mercer is not starting Saturday against the Braves, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Mercer started two straight games after returning from a calf injury Wednesday but has now found himself on the bench for two in a row. There haven't been any reports of the injury flaring back up, so it's possible he's simply fallen behind Kevin Newman in the pecking order.