Orioles’ Ryan Helsley challenge sparks first ABS ejection in MLB history

A new way for MLB managers be ejected was just unlocked. Minnesota Twins skipper Derek Shelton was tossed from Sunday’s game against the Orioles in the ninth inning after arguing that Baltimore closer Ryan Helsley didn’t tap his cap quickly enough to signal for an automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge. “I didn’t think Helsley tapped his hat quick enough,” Shelton said after the Orioles’ 8-6 victory .

“Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. But I didn’t feel he did. I feel it’s got to be something that’s in the three seconds, and I didn’t think it was there.

But the umpiring crew thought it was. ” Helsley challenged a ball four call by home plate umpire Chris Segal on a full count to designated hitter Josh Bell. He tapped his cap as he stepped off the mound through his delivery, but Segal didn’t see it at first, so Helsley motioned again.

ABS then showed that the ball caught the outside of the zone, and Bell was retired for the second out of the inning. Shelton immediately ran out of the third-base dugout, shouting toward Segal. Second base umpire Laz Díaz came to his defense, vouching for Helsley signaling on time.