Twins Manager Rages at Umps After ABS Call Costs His Team an Out

Derek Shelton argued with umpires over a controversial automated ball-strike system ruling in a loss to the Orioles.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a chaotic baseball game, with players, umpires, and the field reduced to fragmented, overlapping angular shapes and planes in a high-energy, abstract composition.The introduction of automated ball-strike technology has introduced new layers of complexity and controversy to the national pastime.Baltimore Today

Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected from Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles after angrily protesting an overturned call by baseball's new automated ball-strike (ABS) system. The ABS technology reversed an initial ball call by the home plate umpire, resulting in a critical out for the Twins in the bottom of the ninth inning as they trailed 8-6. Shelton argued the timing of the Orioles pitcher's signal for the review, but ultimately the replay showed the pitcher had signaled quickly, and the Orioles held on for the 8-6 victory.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing debate over the use of automated technology in baseball, with managers and players still adjusting to the new ABS system that can overrule umpires' calls. Shelton's outburst reflects the high emotions and frustrations that can arise when human judgment is superseded by machine rulings, especially in high-pressure late-game situations.

The details

In the bottom of the ninth inning with the Twins trailing 8-6 and two runners on base, Orioles pitcher Ryan Helsley threw a 3-2 pitch that was initially called a ball by the home plate umpire. However, Helsley immediately signaled for a review, and the ABS system determined the pitch had barely clipped the edge of the strike zone, overturning the call and resulting in the Twins' second out. Shelton angrily argued with the umpires, believing Helsley had not signaled for the review quickly enough, but replays showed Helsley had acted promptly.

  • In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the Twins trailing 8-6 and two runners on base.

The players

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins who was ejected from the game for arguing with umpires over an overturned call by the automated ball-strike system.

Ryan Helsley

The Baltimore Orioles pitcher who signaled for a review of a 3-2 pitch that was overturned from a ball to a strike, resulting in a critical out for the Twins.

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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 the new automated ball-strike system, which has been a source of controversy across Major League Baseball.

The takeaway

The heated exchange between Twins manager Derek Shelton and the umpires over the ABS call underscores the ongoing tensions between human judgment and automated technology in baseball. As the sport continues to embrace new innovations, managing the emotions and expectations of players, coaches, and fans will be an ongoing challenge.