Challenges with Automated Ball Strike Systems

During the 2026 season, Automated Ball Strike (ABS) systems presented some unique hurdles, but players and managers have come to understand that in baseball, if umpires can confirm a challenge, it stands as true.

Brandon Lowe, a two-time All-Star, faced a tough situation in a recent game where the Pittsburgh Pirates triumphed over the Minnesota Twins 10-9. In the fourth inning, he was called out on a flyout.

Lowe attempted to challenge the strike call during the fourth inning. However, home plate umpire Alex Tosi overlooked Lowe’s signal, which he made by tapping his helmet. Tosi then denied the challenge, explaining to Pirates manager Don Kelly why it was not allowed.

After Lowe completed his run to first and was ejected by first base umpire Jordan Baker, it marked the first ejection of his career.

Reflecting on the incident, Lowe expressed some disappointment. “It’s sad to get sent off for the first time,” he mentioned, adding, “I was just frustrated with myself and took it out on the situation, which led to me getting kicked out. I didn’t even realize I had been ejected until I was almost back in the dugout and noticed (hitting coach Johnny Tucker) looking toward first base.”

Kelly later told reporters that the challenge was rejected because it was deemed to impact the dugout communication. He criticized the situation, stating, “That was completely awful. Jordan misunderstood what Lowe was saying and overreacted. Lowe was upset thinking he swung at the fourth pitch, but Jordan took it as him yelling at the home plate umpire, which was a total misunderstanding.”

Lowe continues to lead the Pirates with 14 home runs. Before his ejection, he had one hit in three at-bats and an RBI.