NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton became the first manager to be ejected from the new Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system on Sunday in a loss to the Baltimore Orioles.
The Twins tried to rally in the top of the ninth inning. Minnesota had a runner on first with Josh Bell at the plate walking Ryan Helsley with one out. Helsley appeared to throw a 3-2 pitch out of the zone, giving Bell a walk, which would have put two runners on base. When Bell went to first base, Helsley pointed to his head and called for a challenge.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton argues with umpire Laz Diaz over a pitch challenge during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
During the ABS review, the pitch was reversed and called strike three.
Shelton was pissed when he came out of the grave. He argued that Helsley did not challenge the pitch quickly enough. After a moment of yelling, Shelton was ejected from the game.
“I didn’t think Helsley hit his cap fast enough,” Shelton told reporters after the game, via MLB.com . “Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, but I didn’t feel like he did. I feel like it has to be something within those three seconds, and I didn’t think it was there. But the umpiring team thought it was.”
MARLINS DELIVER WALK-OFF WIN AS TEAM’S BLUE YARD JERSEYS MAKE SEASON OPENER
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton walks off the field after removing pitcher Kody Funderburk during the seventh inning of an opening day baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Helsley said he could see why Shelton was angry, adding that at first he was “confused” because he didn’t think the referee saw him tap his head to signal a challenge.
He said Laz Diaz, the second base umpire, stood up for him.
“I can respect Shelton for trying not to make him do that, because it seemed like it was a little far at that moment,” he added.
Baltimore won the game 8-6. Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill hit his first home run of the season in the fourth inning off Bailey Ober.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, left, and pitcher Ryan Helsley celebrate their 8-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Twins third baseman Royce Lewis hit his second home run of the year in the seventh inning.
