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Pirates Player Ejected for Second-Guessing Umpire
31 May
Summary
- Brandon Lowe was ejected for the first time in his MLB career.
- The ejection stemmed from a heated exchange over an ABS challenge.
- Manager Don Kelly defended Lowe, citing miscommunication and overreaction.
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe was ejected for the first time in his Major League Baseball career during a game against the Minnesota Twins on May 30. The ejection, which occurred after just four innings at PNC Park, stemmed from a dispute over an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge and Lowe's reaction to his at-bat's outcome.
Lowe, frustrated with his own performance, expressed disappointment with how his emotions led to the ejection. He indicated that the flyout ending his at-bat, rather than the ABS call itself, was the source of his frustration. He was surprised by the quick ejection from first base umpire Jordan Baker.
Pirates manager Don Kelly defended Lowe, stating that the ejection was a result of miscommunication and an overreaction by the umpire. Kelly argued that Baker misunderstood Lowe's frustration, believing he was arguing with the home plate umpire about the ABS call when Lowe was actually upset about the flyout. Kelly supported Lowe's challenge timing and felt the umpire should have accepted it.
