Matt Quatraro Shares Reason for Salvador Perez, Carter Jensen Decision
Royals manager Matt Quatraro explained the reasoning behind a decision involving Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen.
The Kansas City Royals made a lineup decision this week involving Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen. For the final two games of the Royals series against the Cleveland Guardians, top prospect Carter Jensen started behind the plate while longtime captain Salvador Perez served as the designated hitter. With Perez rarely DH-ing on back-to-back days, questions surfaced about whether the 35-year-old was dealing with an undisclosed injury or if the Royals were shifting responsibilities behind the plate.
Manager Matt Quatraro addressed the situation and clarified the reasoning behind the move. “Nothing to read into with Salvador Perez DH-ing two days in a row, manager Matt Quatraro said today. Salvy and Carter Jensen were both going to be in the lineup anyway, so just another day to get Salvy off his feet.
Plus, Jensen has performed well behind the plate,” reported Anne Rogers of MLB. com. Nothing to read into with Salvador Perez DH-ing two days in a row, manager Matt Quatraro said today.
Salvy and Carter Jensen were both going to be in the lineup anyway, so just another day to get Salvy off his feet. Plus, Jensen has performed well behind the plate. #Royals — Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) April 8, 2026 Quatraro’s explanation eased concerns and also hinted at what could become a more regular arrangement.