Royals star Salvador Perez needed a bounce-back game. He got it Sunday in Chicago
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Salvador Perez rebounded Sunday with a home run in Royals' 7-5 win over White Sox.
- After four strikeouts Saturday, Perez showed improved plate discipline and patience.
- Royals rely on Perez's offensive leadership as they pursue a postseason return in 2025.
The weekend ended on a high note for Kansas City Royals star Salvador Perez.
And not just because the Royals beat the White Sox 7-5 to salvage a win in the finale of a three-game series at Rate Field.
Here’s the back story: The team captain drew the ire of Royals fans Saturday with a four-strikeout performance. There were calls for him to be moved down in the batting order, or even off the team entirely.
“I didn’t mean to strike out four times yesterday,” Perez said after Sunday’s game. “It’s part of the game. I always say about baseball, we’re going to have a lot of opportunities.”
Yes, Saturday’s game was a frustrating night for both Perez and the Royals’ faithful. Both parties wanted the same thing and the results just didn’t come.
“I missed a lot of opportunities yesterday,” he said, “and that kind of made me feel a little bad because I’ve got Jac (Caglianone hitting) behind me.
“I think he is going to do well. Just a few games in the big-leagues and he is going to do it. I think it’s part of the team (approach): If I don’t do it, help the next guy behind me do it.”
On Sunday, the Royals’ team captain reminded everyone that he has more left in the tank. He blasted his fifth home run 403 feet after drawing a walk in his first at-bat.
The Royals were down 2-0 early, but Perez was able to even the score with one swing in a game that KC would go on to win.
“That’s just what makes him so good,” teammate Bobby Witt Jr. said. “One day he could have a bad day and the next day ... he is the same guy every day. That’s what makes him a special player, because every day is a new opportunity and you’ve got to make the most of it.”
How was Perez better Sunday than he was Saturday? For starters, he showed less chase at the plate.
“Today was a new day, you know, and I got a pitch,” Perez said. “Even yesterday, I missed some pitches right in the middle. So I’m working with my hitting coaches and working with (Royals coach) Miguel Garcia to try to figure out what I’m doing and what’s wrong. I got some pitches to hit today and put a pretty good swing.”
Perez was patient as he dueled White Sox right-handed starter Mike Vasil throughout an eight-pitch at-bat. Perez worked a full count, then walked to first base on ball four.
“When that happens, you see all the pitches of what he has and how the ball moves,” Perez said.
The Royals’ offense has been inconsistent this season. But Perez can affect any game at the plate. The Royals will need his production if they are to make a return trip to the postseason.
“We count on Salvy and he has made a career out of this,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, he is a Hall of Fame player that had a tough day yesterday. He knows how to bounce back from tough days.”
Perez has been moved down in the Royals’ batting order. He is now hitting fifth behind teammate Vinnie Pasquantino and in front of rookie sensation Jac Caglianone. The lineup change was designed to give the trio more run-producing opportunities with Maikel Garcia hitting third.
The Royals made the change Tuesday. It was successful in St. Louis last week and again Sunday against the White Sox.
Perez indicated that he understands the reasoning behind the the move and agrees with the team’s decision.
“It doesn’t bother me,” he said. Seriously, because the way Maikel is hitting right now, Junior (Witt) and (Jonathan) India, we are going to have these guys on base every time. It’s good for Vinnie, myself and Jac to help the team to win.”
The Royals begin a home series against the New York Yankees on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium and Perez is looking forward to the challenge. The Royals have some momentum now and want to keep it going against their opponent from last year’s American League Division Series.
“I know it’s a tough offense right now,” Perez said, ”but we are trying to figure it out and trying to score some more runs and win some more games.”
This story was originally published June 8, 2025 at 4:30 PM.
