Twins Manager Derek Shelton Ejected for Arguing ABS Challenge Rule

Shelton was tossed in the ninth inning of Sunday's game against the Orioles.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected from Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles for arguing that an Orioles player did not challenge a call quickly enough under the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system. Shelton disagreed with the umpire's decision to overturn a ball call to a strikeout, saying the Orioles player did not tap his hat within the required 3-second window.

Why it matters

The new ABS challenge system has been a major point of discussion in MLB this season, with managers and players adjusting to the new rules around when and how quickly challenges must be made. Shelton's ejection highlights the ongoing debates around the implementation and interpretation of the ABS system.

The details

In the ninth inning, with the Twins trailing 8-6, Orioles closer Ryan Helsley had a 3-0 pitch called a ball on Twins batter Josh Bell. Catcher Adley Rutschman challenged the call, and it was overturned to a strike. Later in the at-bat, Helsley challenged a 3-2 pitch that was called a ball, and that call was also overturned to a strikeout. Shelton argued that Helsley did not challenge the 3-2 pitch quickly enough, within the required 3-second window, but the umpiring crew disagreed and ejected him.

  • In the ninth inning of Sunday's game against the Orioles.
  • Helsley challenged a 3-2 pitch that was called a ball, and the call was overturned to a strikeout.

The players

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins.

Ryan Helsley

The closer for the Baltimore Orioles.

Adley Rutschman

The catcher for the Baltimore Orioles.

Josh Bell

A batter for the Minnesota Twins.

Chris Segal

The home plate umpire who ejected Derek Shelton.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't think Helsley tapped his hat quick enough. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, but I didn't feel he did. It's gotta be something that's within three seconds and I didn't think it was there. Umpiring crew thought it was.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

What’s next

The Twins will look to bounce back in their next game against the Orioles, as they continue to adjust to the new ABS challenge rules.

The takeaway

The ejection of Twins manager Derek Shelton highlights the ongoing challenges teams and umpires are facing in properly implementing and interpreting the new ABS challenge system in MLB. As teams and officials continue to adapt, debates over the nuances of the rules are likely to continue.