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Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton became the first manager to be ejected by the new Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system on Sunday in a loss against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Twins were trying to recover in the top of the ninth inning. Minnesota had a runner on first with Josh Bell at the plate facing Ryan Helsley with one out. It appeared that Helsley threw a 3-2 pitch out of the zone, walking Bell, which would have put two runners on base. As Bell walked toward first base, Helsley pointed to his head and called for a challenge.
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Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton argues with umpire Laz Diaz over a pitching challenge during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
According to the ABS review, the tone was reversed and strike three was declared.
Shelton was furious when he left the dugout. He argued that Helsley did not challenge the throw quickly enough. After a few moments of yelling, Shelton was ejected from the game.
“I didn’t think Helsley hit his cap quick 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 three seconds, and I didn’t think it was there. But the referee team thought it was.”
MARLINS DELIVER A WIN AS THE TEAM’S TEAL JERSEYS MAKE THEIR SEASON DEBUT
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton walks off the field after throwing out 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 he was “confused” at first because he didn’t believe the referee saw him hit his head to signal a challenge.
He said Laz Díaz, the second base umpire, defended him.
“I can respect Shelton for trying to keep me from doing it there, because it seemed like it was a little long at the time,” 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)
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Twins third baseman Royce Lewis hit his second home run of the year in the seventh inning.
