Pirates' Brandon Lowe Ejected After Disallowed ABS Challenge in 10-9 Win

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 31

Brandon Lowe was ejected in the fourth inning of Pittsburgh’s 10-9 win over Minnesota after his helmet-tap ABS challenge was not granted and his reaction was judged as arguing.
Home plate umpire Alex Tosi did not see Lowe’s challenge signal, then told manager Don Kelly it was ruled dugout-influenced; first base umpire Jordan Baker later tossed Lowe.
Kelly said Baker misunderstood Lowe, who was upset he thought he had swung at ball four, calling the ejection a total overreaction and a misunderstanding rather than abuse of an umpire.
Lowe said he was venting to himself and did not realize he had been ejected until he was nearly back to the dugout; it was the first ejection of his career.
The incident adds to early friction around MLB’s Automated Balls and Strikes system, even as Lowe remains a key Pirates bat with a team-leading 14 home runs.

As umpires face instant public judgment from ABS, is baseball's human element facing an existential crisis?

With walks at a 75-year high, has the ABS system unintentionally broken the balance between pitchers and hitters?