Royals Rookie’s Tardy Arrival Leads to Lineup Change in Series Finale The Kansas City Royals faced a setback in their opening series against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, as rookie catcher Carter Jensen was scratched from the starting lineup due to an oversleeping incident. The decision, made just before the first pitch of the game, forced veteran catcher Salvador Perez to return to the position less than 15 hours after he had played a nine-inning game the previous night. The game, which lasted 3 hours and 36 minutes, ended in a 5-1 loss for the Royals, dropping their season record to 3-3. Jensen, who is in his sixth game of his first full season with the Royals, was expected to bat fifth and serve as the starting catcher. However, manager Matt Quatraro revealed that the rookie had overslept and failed to arrive on time, prompting the team to remove him from the lineup. “Carter had an oversight,” Quatraro said after the game. “He overslept and wasn’t here on time, and we made the decision to scratch him from the lineup.” The absence of Jensen created a logistical challenge for the Royals. Perez, who had caught the entire game the night before, was pinch-run for by utility man Tyler Tolbert in the bottom of the eighth inning after reaching base on a fielder’s choice. This allowed Jensen to step in defensively for the ninth inning, though the decision to move Perez back to catcher was seen as a necessary adjustment given the team’s need for rest. Quatraro expressed disappointment over the situation but emphasized that it was an isolated incident. “He feels terrible,” the manager said, referring to Jensen. “And he’s accountable to it and it’s not something that has been a pattern or any of that kind of stuff. Nobody feels worse than he does, and I think he’ll admit to that.#kansas_city_royals #salvador_perez #carter_jensen #minnesota_twins #matt_quatraro
Royals' Carter Jensen: Scratched from Thursday's Lineup Carter Jensen was removed from the starting lineup for Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, according to a report by MLB.com’s Anne Rogers. The decision came late in the preparation process, with no official explanation provided by the Kansas City Royals regarding the reason for his absence. The team has not disclosed whether Jensen is dealing with an injury or other factors affecting his availability. Further details about his status are expected to be released in the coming days. In Jensen’s absence, the Royals made adjustments to their batting order. Jac Caglianone, who had been playing right field, was moved into the designated-hitter spot, while Lane Thomas took over in right field. This shift highlights the team’s flexibility in managing its roster during the season. The move also underscores the importance of having depth in the lineup, particularly as the team navigates the challenges of maintaining consistency across its schedule. Jensen’s absence from the lineup comes amid a season marked by both highs and lows for the Royals. Earlier in the year, he contributed significantly to the team’s success, including a notable performance where he hit a home run in a victory over the Twins. His ability to deliver in key moments has made him a valuable asset to the roster. However, the decision to scratch him from Thursday’s game suggests that the team is prioritizing his long-term health and performance over short-term gains. The Royals’ approach to managing Jensen’s workload reflects a broader strategy of balancing immediate competition with player development. By moving Caglianone to the designated-hitter role, the team ensures that its offensive options remain dynamic, even in the face of unexpected challenges.#kansas_city_royals #carter_jensen #anne_rogers #minnesota_twins #jac_caglianone
