Attempt to take back ABS challenge denied -- but works out anyway

CHICAGO -- There's things everyone is learning as they make their way through MLB’s first season utilizing ABS challenges -- you’re bound to see something new during a game as a result.

Take Friday at Wrigley Field for example.

During the seventh inning of the Pirates’ 2-0 win over the Cubs, second baseman Nick Gonzales was called out on strike three by home-plate umpire Roberto Ortiz. Feeling as though the four-seamer from Chicago reliever Caleb Thielbar was a bit outside, Gonzales initially felt compelled to challenge, going so far as to reach his hand for the top of his helmet to request one.

But midway through the motion, he changed his mind and pulled back.

“Just in the moment -- nobody on base, we had one challenge left -- I wasn't fully confident,” Gonzales said. “I didn't want to do it, so I didn't physically touch my helmet or verbally tell [Ortiz].”

Yet, despite Gonzales second-guessing the request, Ortiz denied his attempt to take it back. Gonzales continued pleading his case even as Ortiz announced the challenge to the crowd.

Gonzales anxiously awaited the result, fearing he might have burned his team's final challenge. With the Bucs clinging to a 2-0 lead, any lost leverage could’ve been consequential.

“I was more so worried about burning our last challenge with their heart of the lineup coming up in a close game towards the end than I was about my at-bat,” he said.

Much to Gonzales’ surprise, Ortiz denying his attempt to renege ended up working out in his favor. The pitch in question was 1.3 inches outside of the zone, resulting in an overturned call and the at-bat staying alive.

“It worked out for me in the long run,” Gonzales said. “I just kind of figured it was off the plate. But ... I didn't want to burn that last one coming into the eighth, ninth inning in a close game. Had we had two at the time, I probably would have been a lot more willing to just go full confidence.”

The at-bat lasted four more pitches, with Gonzales eventually flying out. He was willing to admit afterwards that, despite coming just short of physically tapping his helmet, his initial motion “probably hinted that I did want a challenge.”

Though the moment remained one he wanted to take back even after the fact, Gonzales was able to take solace in pulling off the first successful challenge of his career.

Even if he never meant to call for it in the first place.