Salvador Perez is hitting second on Sunday: Will he bunt?

Baseball’s typical No. 2 hitter possesses superb bat control, can move the leadoff hitter over and is typically a good bunter.

Salvador Perez is some of that but otherwise breaks the mold. He’s scheduled to hit second for the first time in his career when the Royals meet the Mariners on Sunday. Game time is 1:15 p.m.

Perez is the designated hitter, with Drew Butera catching.

“We’re just getting through today,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “Salvy in the two … yesterday was so hot and humid I knew Salvy couldn’t catch, but he’s been swinging the bat really well.

“Plus Salvy and (Eric Hosmer) are the only two guys who aren’t going to get a break.”

Hosmer is getting the day off. Kendrys Morales is starting at first base.

Perez, Hosmer, reliever Kelvin Herrera and the Royals coaching staff are headed to San Diego for the All-Star Game after Sunday’s game. Reliever Wade Davis also made the team but is on the disabled list with an arm injury.

Perez has had a huge series at the plate against the Mariners. He provided a walk-off two run-double in Thursday’s opener, hit a ninth-inning home run to close the gap in Friday’s loss, and hit his 14th home run to provide insurance in the seventh inning of Saturday’s 5-3 victory.

Perez entered the series with one hit in his previous 23 at-bats. He’s five for 10 against the Mariners. He also provided a defensive gem on Saturday with an eighth-inning pickoff of Kyle Seager at first base that dampened a Seattle rally.

The Royals’ lineup Sunday vs. Mariners left-hander Mike Montgomery (2-3, 2.15):

1.Whit Merrifield 2B

2. Salvador Perez DH

3. Kendrys Morales 1B

4. Brett Eibner RF

5. Cheslor Cuthbert 3B

6. Paulo Orlando CF

7. Alex Gordon LF

8. Alcides Escobar SS

9. Drew Butera C

P Dillon Gee (3-2, 4.05)

This story was originally published July 10, 2016 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Salvador Perez is hitting second on Sunday: Will he bunt?."