Umpire completely owns Craig Albernaz over Orioles' missed ABS challenge

The Baltimore Orioles had early success with the ABS challenge system, but things have trended in the wrong direction over the past week. The Orioles have left valuable challenges on the table, and it continued during their win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday Night.

Colton Cowser, who has been scuffling to start the season, squared up to bunt in the second inning off Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo before pulling the bat back due to the ball appearing to be outside the strike zone. It was close, but the FS1 strike zone made it seem like the pitch was a ball, but it was ruled a strike.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz took exception to the call. He could be heard yelling from the dugout, forcing home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott to call time and respond. The Orioles still had both of their challenges, and rather than keep the argument going, Wolcott completely owned the first-year manager by reminding Albernaz of that fact.

ABS is available for a reason...Orioles need to use it

One of the biggest reasons why the ABS challenge system has been implemented is to eliminate arguments over the strike zone. As a reminder, the manager can't call for the challenge from the dugout. Only the batter, catcher, or pitcher can request a challenge. Small credit to Albernaz for sticking up for his guy, but this feels like a teaching moment for the Orioles.

Teams are being delicate with their challenges. Rather than risk losing a challenge early in the game, teams are holding onto them in the event there's a moment that calls for it toward the later innings. In theory, it makes sense, but that shouldn't be a firm stance for a team to have. Especially for a team like the Orioles, who need some things to start falling their way.

It's been an uneven start to the season for the Orioles. They've been hovering around .500 for most of the season, and it's largely due to inconsistent production from the team's offense. Taylor Ward has done his part, but the team hasn't exactly felt Pete Alonso's impact. Couple that with the pitching staff, as a whole, trending toward the middle of the pack, and it feels like Baltimore has left a lot on the table through the first few weeks of the season. One way the Orioles can start making their own luck is by taking advantage of the ABS challenge system. It's there for a reason; use it.

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