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Umpire flexes his discretion, denies two ABS challenges in game
TL;DR
Umpire Carlos Torres denied two ABS challenge requests during a game on May 10, 2023. The Baltimore Orioles won 2-1, but Torres' decisions sparked reactions from fans and managers.
Key points
- Umpire Carlos Torres denied two ABS challenges
- Challenges were from the Baltimore Orioles and Athletics
- The Orioles won the game 2-1
- Decisions sparked reactions from fans and managers
- First incident involved a play with Taylor Ward and Shea Langeliers
Baltimore OriolesAthleticsShea LangeliersTaylor Ward
Umpire flexes his discretion, denies two ABS challenges in game
Robot umpires were supposed to take the power away from the guys in blue. On Sunday, May 10, umpire Carlos Torres showed that he’s still in charge of the game.
Torres denied the two separate ABS challenge requests, one from the Baltimore Orioles and one from the Athletics. The Orioles won 2-1, but Torres’ decision not to grant the reviews reverberated with fans and probably other managers.
The first incident came in the first inning, when Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers tapped his helmet after Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward walked. Langeliers seemed surprised to see Ward walking to first and tapped his helmet after a hesitation. Torres did not grant the review.
The second came in the third inning. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was denied a challenge of a ball call because his first move was to throw the ball around the horn, apparently believing it was strike three. By the time he tried to challenge, Torres wouldn’t allow it. Baltimore manager Craig Albernaz came out to argue, went back to the dugout, and Torres ejected infield coach Miguel Cairo for yelling from the bench.
Under MLB’s ABS rules, a challenge can be denied if the umpire determines it was aided by the dugout or other players, or if it wasn’t requested in a timely manner. Players have roughly two seconds to tap their cap or helmet after a pitch is called. The team keeps its challenge if it is not granted.
Q&A
Why did umpire Carlos Torres deny the ABS challenges?
Umpire Carlos Torres denied the ABS challenges based on his discretion, as he deemed the situations did not warrant a review.
What were the outcomes of the ABS challenges denied by Torres?
The challenges involved a play with Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward and Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers, but both were denied, contributing to the Orioles' 2-1 victory.
What was the reaction to Torres' decisions during the game?
Torres' decisions to deny the challenges reverberated with fans and likely drew the attention of other managers, indicating a significant impact on the game's perception.