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Carter Jensen scratched from Thursday’s game for oversleeping

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Cameron Joyce | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 8:35 PM ET

Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen was scratched from Thursday’s game for oversleeping. Veteran Salvador Perez played instead.

Quatraro: Carter Jensen was scratched Thursday due to oversleeping, via @goldbergkc. https://t.co/P3Z4vf15xA

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) April 2, 2026

Jensen later came in to catch for Perez in the bottom of the 9th, and the Royals lost to the Minnesota Twins 5-1.

It has been a slow start for the rookie. Jensen is currently batting .125 to start the season, and has had high expectations as he has been listed as a top-50 prospect in the MLB.

After the game, Jensen owned up to his mistake and is looking to move forward.

Here's Vinnie Pasquantino on it: "You got a 36-year-old catcher who's preparing to DH today, and his world gets a little rocked that an hour and a half before the game, he's not going to be DH'ing. Give credit to Salvy today for being ready. First and foremost, I'm glad Carter's…

— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) April 2, 2026