Pirates star Brandon Lowe denied ABS challenge — then gets ejected in wild scene

A failed automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge from Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe somehow led to the umpires giving him the boot.

During the fourth inning of Pittsburgh’s 10-9 win over the Twins on Saturday in Pittsburgh, Lowe attempted to challenge a called strike from home plate umpire Alex Tosi.

Despite Lowe tapping his helmet to signal for an ABS review on a pitch that appeared to be below the zone, Tosi did not allow it, making it a 1-2 count rather than 2-1, if it had been a successful challenge.

Lowe then became frustrated at the fact that Tosi refused to give him the challenge, prompting Pirates manager Don Kelly to emerge from the dugout and exchange words with the umpire.

“I did the challenge right away,” Lowe could be heard saying over the SportsNet Pittsburgh broadcast.

The at-bat then resumed, with Lowe later flying out to left field after working a full count, screaming in anger while spiking his bat into the ground.

As Lowe rounded first base and headed back to the dugout, however, first base umpire John Baker threw out the two-time All-Star.

Brandon Lowe is restrained by first base coach Tarrik Brock and umpire Willie Traynor after being ejected in the fourth inning of the Pirates’ 10-9 win over the Twiins on May 30, 2026 in Pittsburgh. Getty Images

Pittsburgh first base coach Tarrik Brock had to hold Lowe back while arguing the umpire’s decision, with Kelly also coming back out from the dugout.

“There’s no way you eject a player for that,” announcer Joe Block said during the broadcast.

Second-year utility player Tyler Callihan entered the game in place of Lowe.

Brandon Lowe hits a single during the second inning of the Pirates win over
the Twins Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The ejection marks the first in Lowe’s nine-year career in the big leagues, according to MLB.com.

Lowe, who spent eight seasons with the Rays before being traded to the Pirates in a three-team deal this past offseason, has shown to be one of Pittsburgh’s top hitters this season.

Headed into Saturday’s game, Lowe, 31, has posted a slash line of .260/.349/.540 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs through 52 games.