Full Breakdown
Kansas City Royals Rookie Carter Jensen Scratched from Lineup Due to Oversleeping
4/3/2026, 3:43:48 AM
Last-Minute Lineup Changes
The Kansas City Royals faced a significant disruption in their lineup just hours before their game against the Minnesota Twins on September 28, 2025. Rookie catcher Carter Jensen, who was initially slated to start and bat fifth, was unexpectedly removed from the lineup. This change forced veteran catcher Salvador Perez to switch from designated hitter to catcher, while Lane Thomas moved to right field and Jac Caglianone took over the designated hitter role.
Reason for Jensen's Removal
The reason for Jensen's last-minute scratch was revealed after the game: he overslept and missed his alarm. Royals manager Matt Quatraro described the incident as an “oversight.” Jensen expressed regret over the situation, stating, "I didn't wake up to my alarm. Slept through it. Don't really have an excuse — nor should I. It sucks. It happens. I feel like I let teammates down, coaches down. Just learn from it and just know it won't happen again."
Team Reactions and Support
Following the game, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino addressed the incident, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes. He remarked, “He'll learn from it, grow a little bit. We're here for him, though. It's not like anybody's mad at him. Things happen. But you gotta learn from mistakes like that — and maybe get another alarm clock or something." This sentiment reflects a supportive team environment, where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth.
Impact on the Game
The Royals ultimately lost the game 5-1, and the last-minute changes to the lineup may have contributed to the team's struggles. Scratching a player so close to game time can disrupt not only the individual player’s focus but also the overall team dynamics. As the Royals prepare for their upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers, they will look to bounce back from this setback.
What's Next for the Royals
The Kansas City Royals will face the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game series starting September 29, 2025. The team will aim to regroup and learn from the recent incident as they continue their season.
