Twins Manager Ejected in First ABS Challenge Dispute

In a dramatic ninth-inning sequence during the Baltimore Orioles' 8-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday at Camden Yards, Twins manager Derek Shelton became the first in Major League Baseball history to be ejected over a challenge involving the new Automated Ball-Strike system.

The incident unfolded in the top of the ninth with the Orioles leading 8-6, one out recorded and a runner on first base. Orioles closer Ryan Helsley faced Twins designated hitter Josh Bell with a full count. Umpire Chris Segal called Helsley's 3-2 pitch a ball, which would have loaded the bases and kept Minnesota's comeback hopes alive. As Bell began walking toward first, Helsley tapped the top of his cap to signal a challenge under the ABS rules, which allow players to request an automated review of ball and strike calls.

The review confirmed the pitch clipped the outside corner of the strike zone, overturning the call to a strikeout and ending Bell's at-bat as the second out of the inning. Shelton immediately emerged from the dugout to protest, arguing that Helsley had not signaled quickly enough within the required timeframe. Umpires, including second base official Laz Diaz, upheld the...