Salvador Perez and manager Matt Quatraro say the Royals have smoothed a recent rift after Perez’s social‑media outburst over a mental breather comment. Quatraro explained that the 16‑year‑old catcher was given a Saturday rest to ease the mental load, a move that sparked Perez’s X post after a 13‑4 loss to the Yankees last night.

Perez, 36, hits .160 this season with three homers and six RBIs, yet his absence drew headlines. He later defended himself, calling the story “fake” and noting a long‑standing hip issue that has lingered for seven years. The Royals now plan to use him as a designated hitter against Cole Ragans’s left‑handed effort today again.

Quatraro emphasized that the phrase “mental breather” was meant to relieve pressure before the next game, not to sideline Perez. He said the catcher had been in daily talks and that the team’s decision was clear. Both men confirmed their relationship is strong, vowing to focus on winning in the series today together again.

With Elias Diaz promoted from Omaha and Tyler Tolbert optioned, the Royals shuffle their catching corps for the Sunday clash. Diaz will start behind the plate while Perez lines up as the designated hitter, and Cole Ragans will face a left‑hander on the mound. The team’s adjustments aim to stabilize performance as the season late.