Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Umpire’s Phantom ABS Challenge on Brett Baty Costs Mets Final Review

The controversy points to confusion over MLB’s helmet‑tap rule for automated ball‑strike challenges.

May 13, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) reacts after making the last out in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images.
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) and New York Mets right fielder Brett Baty (7) argue the use of a ABS call during the sixth inning when the New York Mets played the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Citi Field in Queens, NY.
Umpire Junior Valentine exchanges words with the Giants dugout after the top of the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants.
Mary Holt_MLB Photos via Getty Images

Overview

  • Home plate umpire Junior Valentine ruled Brett Baty had requested an automated ball‑strike review after a strike‑two call in the sixth inning Wednesday at Citi Field.
  • Broadcast replays showed Baty never touched his helmet, even though MLB’s system requires a clear helmet tap to start a challenge.
  • The review upheld the strike, the Mets were charged their final challenge, and Baty struck out two pitches later as manager Carlos Mendoza protested the ruling.
  • Clips from SNY and Jomboy Media spread on social platforms and prompted renewed scrutiny of how umpires apply the challenge rule in real time.
  • New York still beat Detroit 3–2 in 10 innings on rookie Carson Benge’s walk‑off single, keeping attention on the ABS rollout rather than the final score.