Carter Jensen was scratched from the lineup for oversleeping

Sep 2, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pinch hitter Carter Jensen (22) walks back to the dugout after striking out to end the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images Ever oversleep and miss something important? It has happened to the best of us.

And today, it happened to Royals rookie Carter Jensen. The 22-year-old catcher was supposed to be in the starting lineup for the series finale Thursday afternoon against the Twins. With Salvador Perez catching in wet conditions last night, typically teams like to switch catchers for the day game after a night game.

But reporters and fans were puzzled when Jensen was a late scratch, particularly when he was later seen warming up. It turns out Jensen had overslept. He later entered the game in the ninth inning after Salvy was replaced by a pinch runner.

To his credit, he faced reporters after the game and took responsibility. “No running from it. Just didn’t wake up to my alarm, slept through it.