Royals’ Young Player’s Error Leads Team to Contact Parents

On April 2, Kansas City Royals rookie catcher Carter Jensen overslept and missed his scheduled start against the Minnesota Twins. The 22-year-old was scratched shortly before first pitch. Manager Matt Quatraro called the absence an “oversight.”

Game-day changes

Veteran Salvador Perez was inserted behind the plate. Perez had been prepared to serve as the designated hitter that day. Jensen entered as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning after Perez was pinch-run for in the bottom of the eighth.

Player profile and status

Jensen is a consensus top-50 MLB prospect. He has appeared in 26 major-league games before this incident. The Royals lost the contest to the Twins, 5-1.

Team reaction and aftermath

First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said the club’s first concern was Jensen’s well-being. Staff tried to contact his parents before learning he was safe. The Royals’ young player error prompted staff to contact parents, team sources said.

Pasquantino praised Perez for his readiness. He also said Jensen must learn from the mistake. “It can’t happen,” Pasquantino added, stressing accountability.

Jensen’s response

Jensen admitted he slept through his alarm. He apologized and said there is no excuse. Jensen told reporters he feels he let teammates and coaches down, and that it will not happen again.

Reporting by Sam McDowell and game notes relayed to Filmogaz.com provided details on the timeline. Joel Goldberg also shared updates from the field via social media.