Carter Jensen slides into leadoff spot as Royals continue to shuffle lineup
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- Carter Jensen was placed in the Royals’ leadoff spot for Saturday’s game at Globe.
- Royals manager Matt Quatraro moved Maikel Garcia to third and shuffled the lineup.
- Jensen, hitting .222 with six homers and a .689 OPS, will also start at catcher.
There is a different name atop the Kansas City Royals’ batting order on Saturday afternoon.
The Royals placed rookie catcher Carter Jensen in the leadoff spot ahead of their matchup against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Jensen hit leadoff twice last season. And, he had a memorable game against the Toronto Blue Jays last September. He hit three doubles after being recognized as the team’s 2025 George Brett Hitter of the Year.
“I like the idea of hitting leadoff,” Jensen said. “I think I can fill the role great. I think it’s just putting my approach to my plan and just going out there and competing.”
Jensen will look to provide an offensive spark. The Royals are searching for answers after being outscored 31-2 in their last three games.
The Royals’ ongoing struggles at the plate on Friday prompted manager Matt Quatraro to make his first significant lineup change of the week: He moved third baseman Maikel Garcia to the third spot in the order.
This left a vacancy at the top. Lane Thomas filled it by hitting leadoff against left-hander MacKenzie Gore. That didn’t work, as Thomas went 0-for-4 Friday.
Jensen is set for his chance. He plans to keep a similar approach, with one key change. The first-year backstop hopes to show better discipline at the plate.
“I think it just really makes me focus a little bit more,” Jensen said. “Take good at-bats and see pitches. That being said, like, still the same stuff. I don’t want to miss my pitch, ever, whether it's the first pitch or ninth pitch in the at-bat. It’s just putting together good at-bats and getting on base. That’s a priority.”
This season, Jensen is hitting .222 with six homers and 23 RBIs. He has a .689 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 52 games. After a hot start, he is navigating the choppy waters of the majors.
He has leaned on teammates for support. Garcia was one of those players. The duo spoke on a recent road trip about hitting and ways to improve each day.
“I just said, ‘You don’t have to cover all the plate,’” Garcia said. “You have to pick your spot at the plate. Early in the (strike) zone, you have to pick if you want to swing middle-in. And (if so), you pick that zone. If he is away, you leave it. And with two strikes, just cover all the plate because we are trying to put the ball in play.”
Jensen took the advice to heart. The St. Joseph native is hopeful he can be productive and remain in the leadoff spot for his hometown team.
“I think, obviously, every day is a new opportunity,” Jensen said. “I think this is a new opportunity for me. You know, just trying to fill the role as best I can.”
Quatraro is confident Jensen will thrive. However, he doesn’t want him to get too far out of his game. The goal is to play to his strengths and win some games.
“We want him to have good at-bats,” Quatraro said. “That’s been one of his strengths coming up through the minor leagues and in the early part of his career here. (We want him to) see pitches, swing at strikes and make the pitcher work. Get on base in front of those guys.
“He’s not a base clogger. And, you know, these guys are going to be able to run. We like a lot about it.”
The Royals started Jensen behind the plate Saturday. He will be followed in the batting order by Bobby Witt Jr., Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, Jac Caglianone, Isaac Collins, Michael Massey and Kyle Isbel. At least for now.
Jensen will be ready to go from the first pitch.
“Yeah, get a pitch I can hit,” he said, “and try to drive it to all parts of the field.”
This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 3:07 PM.
