KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals’ backstop, Carter Jensen, was pulled from the starting lineup for Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, having overslept.
“My alarm failed to rouse me; I slept right through it,” Jensen conveyed to The Kansas City Star and other media sources. “There’s truly no justification, nor should there be one. It’s awful. Such occurrences take place. I sense I’ve disappointed my teammates and my coaches. My aim is simply to learn from this and ensure it doesn’t reoccur.”
Jensen ultimately made it to the venue; however, his timing wasn’t sufficient for him to adequately prepare for a starting role. He did, nonetheless, join the game as the Royals’ backstop during the ninth inning of their 5-1 defeat.
Salvador Perez, initially slated to serve as the designated hitter for Kansas City on Thursday, consequently took on catching duties for the initial eight innings.
“Primarily, I’m relieved Carter is fine,” Vinnie Pasquantino, the Royals’ first baseman, informed journalists. “Indeed, that was the primary concern while attempting to contact his parents and similar efforts — to simply confirm his well-being.”
Pasquantino emphasized that Jensen, a 22-year-old newcomer, must draw lessons from this incident.
“Certain occurrences are simply unacceptable, and this qualifies as one of them,” Pasquantino asserted. “Consequently, he’ll have to accept the repercussions, just as anyone else would. Such an event must not recur, and hopefully, it will be a singular incident. Nevertheless, errors of this nature are simply unaffordable in this sport. He simply needs to progress as effectively as possible. I’m aware he’s genuinely remorseful.
“I realize his journey to the stadium this morning was far from pleasant, but it wasn’t our most enjoyable morning either, as we endeavored to ascertain the situation. He will undoubtedly learn from this and mature somewhat. Despite this, we stand by him. It’s not as if anyone harbors anger towards him. Incidents do occur. However, one must derive lessons from such blunders – perhaps by acquiring an additional alarm or similar device.”