Salvador Perez rebuts Royals manager Matt Quatraro over 'mental breather' line

TL;DR

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.

Key points

Salvador Perez was benched against his will.
Matt Quatraro cited a 'mental breather' for Perez's absence.
The Royals lost 13-4 to the New York Yankees.
Royals' record worsened to 7-14.
Royals are tied for the worst record in MLB.

Kansas City RoyalsSalvador PerezCarter JensenNew York Yankees

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 “mental breather” 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, “I don’t need a mental breather” 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.

What’s particularly awkward is that the 35-year-old Perez has barely been playable so far this season, after a down 2025. He’s slashed .160/.210/.307 in 20 games so far this season, with 17 strikeouts and four walks in 81 plate appearances. Jensen hasn’t 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, there’s 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 Royals’ 2015 title, but he’s 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.

Q&A

Why did Salvador Perez get benched by the Royals manager?

Royals manager Matt Quatraro stated that Perez was given a 'mental breather' due to recent struggles.

What was Salvador Perez's reaction to being benched?

Salvador Perez posted on social media, stating, 'I don’t need a mental breather,' indicating his disagreement with the decision.

What is the current record of the Kansas City Royals?

The Kansas City Royals have a record of 7-14, which ties them with the New York Mets for the worst in MLB.