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Salvador Perez publicly disagreed with Royals manager Matt Quatraro's claim that he needed a 'mental breather' after being benched. The Royals lost to the Yankees, worsening their record to 7-14.
Kansas City Royals captain Salvador Perez got a day off on Saturday, apparently against his will.
The fun began when the Royals posted a lineup without Perez. Royals manager Matt Quatraro then told reporters he was giving Perez a āmental breatherā after some recent struggles, with Carter Jensen getting the start behind the plate instead.
That seemed simple enough ⦠until about nine hours later, when Perez bluntly posted, āI donāt need a mental breatherā on social media.
So it might not be the most harmonious state of play in Kansas City right now. The Royals also lost 13-4 to the New York Yankees on Saturday, worsening their record to 7-14, tied with the New York Mets for the worst in MLB.
Jensen homered in that game, bringing his season total up to five.
Whatās particularly awkward is that the 35-year-old Perez has barely been playable so far this season, after a down 2025. Heās slashed .160/.210/.307 in 20 games so far this season, with 17 strikeouts and four walks in 81 plate appearances. Jensen hasnāt been much better at .214/.274/.446, but he has been better (except when it comes to waking up).
Similar to what just happened on the Toronto Blue Jays with Eric Lauer, thereās probably a conversation to be had behind closed doors. Perez commands immense respect in Kansas City as a nine-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, five-time Gold Glove and World Series MVP of the Royalsā 2015 title, but heās simply a different player now.
Quatraro has been the manager in Kansas City since 2023 and entered this season with a 224-262 record, with a playoff berth in 2024.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro stated that Perez was given a 'mental breather' due to recent struggles.
Salvador Perez posted on social media, stating, 'I donāt need a mental breather,' indicating his disagreement with the decision.
The Kansas City Royals have a record of 7-14, which ties them with the New York Mets for the worst in MLB.

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