Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton became the first manager ejected over Major League Baseball's new Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) challenge system during an 8-6 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on March 29, 2026, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore.[1][2]
The incident took place in the top of the ninth inning as the Twins sought to rally with one out and a runner on first base. Designated hitter Josh Bell, facing Orioles reliever Ryan Helsley on a full count, was initially awarded a walk on a 3-2 pitch called outside the strike zone by the ABS system. Helsley signaled for a challenge by tapping his cap and pointing to his head.[1][3]
The ABS review reversed the call to strike three, ending Bell's at-bat. Shelton emerged from the dugout to argue that Helsley had not initiated the challenge within the three-second window, leading to his ejection by second base umpire Laz Diaz.[1][2]
"I didn’t think Helsley tapped his cap quick enough," Shelton told reporters after the game. "Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, but I didn’t feel he did. I feel like it’s gotta be something within the three seconds, and I didn’t think it was there. But the umpiring crew thought it was."[1]
Helsley expressed understanding for Shelton's reaction, noting initial confusion but confirmation from Diaz. "I can respect Shelton for trying to not get him to do it there, because it did seem like it was a little long in that moment," Helsley said.[3]
The game was the fourth of the 2026 season for both teams and the series finale after the Orioles' opening-day win on March 26. Orioles outfielder Tyler O'Neill hit his first home run of the season in the fourth inning off Twins starter Bailey Ober, while Twins third baseman Royce Lewis hit his second home run in the seventh.[1][2]
Oriole Park at Camden Yards has been the Orioles' home since 1992.[4]
Sources
- MLB.com
Twins at Orioles Game Recap, March 29, 2026
March 30, 2026
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/twins-vs-orioles/2026/03/29/777777/game-recap - Associated Press
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton argues with umpire Laz Diaz over a pitch challenge during ninth inning vs. Orioles
March 30, 2026
https://apnews.com/article/mlb-twins-orioles-shelton-ejection-abs-2026 - Fox News
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton becomes first ejected over new ABS system in loss to Orioles
March 30, 2026
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/minnesota-twins-manager-derek-shelton-ejected-abs-baltimore-orioles - Wikipedia
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Accessed October 10, 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriole_Park_at_Camden_Yards