Twins Manager Ejected After Arguing MLB's New Automated Challenge System

Derek Shelton was tossed for disputing a call overturned by the league's new ball-strike review technology.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:11pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players, field, and umpire broken down into abstract geometric shapes and planes of color, representing the tensions between technology and tradition in the sport.The new automated challenge system in baseball sparks debate over the balance between technology and the human element of the game.Baltimore Today

Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected from Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles after arguing a call that was overturned by MLB's new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system. In the 9th inning, with the Twins trailing 8-6, the umpire initially called a 3-2 pitch a ball, but Orioles pitcher Ryan Helsley quickly signaled for a challenge. The ABS system showed the pitch just clipped the strike zone, resulting in the out being overturned. Shelton argued that Helsley didn't signal for the challenge quickly enough, but replays showed the pitcher made the gesture immediately. After a brief back-and-forth, Shelton was ejected from the game.

Why it matters

The new ABS challenge system is part of MLB's efforts to incorporate more automated technology into the game. While it aims to improve accuracy, the system has faced some pushback from managers and players who argue it takes the human element out of umpiring. Shelton's ejection highlights the tensions that can arise as baseball navigates this transition.

The details

In the 9th inning, with the Twins trailing 8-6 and two men on base, the home plate umpire called a 3-2 pitch from Orioles pitcher Ryan Helsley a ball. This would have loaded the bases for the Twins with one out. However, Helsley immediately signaled for a challenge, and the ABS system showed the pitch just clipped the strike zone. The call was overturned, giving the Orioles a second out instead of the bases loaded scenario. Shelton argued that Helsley didn't signal for the challenge quickly enough, but replays showed the pitcher made the gesture the instant the umpire called ball four.

  • The incident occurred in the 9th inning of the March 30, 2026 game between the Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles.

The players

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins who was ejected from the game for arguing the overturned call.

Ryan Helsley

The Baltimore Orioles pitcher who quickly signaled for a challenge on the 3-2 pitch that was initially called a ball.

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What they’re saying

“'And Derek Shelton's been thrown out! You can't defeat the robots!'”

— Kevin Brown, Orioles announcer

What’s next

The Twins will look to bounce back in their next game as they continue to adapt to MLB's new automated challenge system. The league will also monitor how managers and players respond to the technology as it is further implemented across the sport.

The takeaway

The ejection of Twins manager Derek Shelton over the new MLB automated challenge system highlights the ongoing tensions as baseball incorporates more technology into the game. While the system aims to improve accuracy, it has faced pushback from those who argue it takes away the human element of umpiring. As the league continues to roll out these changes, managing the transition and balancing technology with the traditional aspects of the sport will be an important challenge.