Royals Rookie Pulled From Lineup Last Minute After Oversleeping

The Kansas City Royals suffered a 5-1 loss in Thursday’s series finale against the Minnesota Twins.

As Kansas City looked to complete the sweep, everything appeared routine. The lineup was released publicly, as it is before every game.

That changed roughly two hours after the initial lineup was announced, when Kansas City released an updated version. Rookie catcher Carter Jensen, who was slated to start behind the plate and hit in the five-hole, was no longer included.

Salvador Perez, originally scheduled as the designated hitter, moved to catcher. Lane Thomas shifted to right field, and Jac Caglianone took over as the designated hitter.

There was significant speculation surrounding Jensen’s removal from the lineup. The reason for scratching the 22-year-old was not revealed until after the game.

Carter Jensen was scratched after oversleeping

Mar 29, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) reacts in the dugout after driving in a run with a sacrifice fly against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Royals broadcaster Joel Goldberg reported that Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said it was an “oversight.” Jensen had overslept.

This answered the question of why Jensen was scratched from the lineup, but it raised another question. How did this happen?

Jensen addressed the media after the loss, explaining what occurred while also sharing his thoughts on the situation.

"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,” Jensen said, per Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star.

Scratching a player from the lineup that close to first pitch shakes up several aspects of the game. Perez had to quickly prepare to catch, Caglianone moved out of the field and into the designated hitter role, and Thomas was inserted into right field.

Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino addressed the incident after the game, saying it is something that cannot happen but also a moment the young catcher can learn from.

“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," Pasquantino said, per McDowell.

As for the Royals, they will look to bounce back from Thursday’s loss as they continue their homestand. The Milwaukee Brewers come to Kansas City on Friday for a three-game series.