Farmer is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Pirates.
Farmer had started five of the past six games at either middle-infield spot, but he'll take a seat in the series opener while Josh VanMeter gets a look at the keystone. Regular second baseman Mike Moustakas (quadriceps) remains on the injured list and is without a clear timeline for a return, so Farmer should have the chance to see the bulk of the starts at the position so long as he performs reasonably well offensively.