Royals, Salvador Perez at odds over playing time

Veteran catcher wants to play every day, but manager sees need for mental break

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:25am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in muted earth tones with flashes of bright primary colors, depicting a baseball catcher in mid-crouch from multiple overlapping perspectives, conveying the physical and mental demands of the position.A fractured, cubist depiction of a baseball catcher's intense focus and split-second movements, reflecting the ongoing tension between a veteran player's desire to play every day and his manager's need to give him occasional mental breaks.Kansas City Today

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez has been a workhorse throughout his career, but the 2026 season has brought a difference of opinion between Perez and manager Matt Quatraro over his playing time. While Quatraro wants to give the struggling Perez some time off to get a 'mental breather', Perez has pushed back, posting on social media that he does not need a break.

Why it matters

Perez's heavy workload and offensive struggles have put the Royals in a difficult position, as they try to balance resting their veteran catcher while also getting production from the rest of their lineup during a six-game losing streak. The Royals' decision on how to handle Perez's playing time could have a significant impact on their season.

The details

Perez has played every day so far this season and is batting just .160/.210/.301 with 3 home runs and 2 doubles in 81 plate appearances. Quatraro said he kept Perez out of Saturday's game to give him a 'mental breather', but Perez took to social media to disagree, saying he did not need the time off. The Royals are also expected to call up catcher Elias Diaz from Triple-A, which would give them three catchers and allow them to give both Perez and rookie Carter Jensen more rest. However, the Royals may be reluctant to take Jensen, who is batting .237/.303/.508 with 5 home runs, out of the lineup given their offensive struggles.

  • On April 15, 2026, Royals manager Matt Quatraro kept Salvador Perez out of the lineup to give him a 'mental breather'.
  • After the game on April 15, 2026, Perez posted on social media that he did not need a mental break.

The players

Salvador Perez

A veteran catcher for the Kansas City Royals who has been a workhorse throughout his career, but is currently struggling offensively.

Matt Quatraro

The manager of the Kansas City Royals, who wants to give Perez some time off to get a 'mental breather' despite Perez's desire to play every day.

Elias Diaz

A catcher who the Royals are expected to call up from Triple-A, which would give them three catchers and allow them to rest both Perez and rookie Carter Jensen.

Carter Jensen

A rookie catcher for the Royals who has been splitting time between catcher and designated hitter, and is batting .237/.303/.508 with 5 home runs.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.