PITTSBURGH — Chris Bassitt, the veteran starter the Orioles signed this winter to stabilize the bottom of their rotation, was already out of the game.

Manager Craig Albernaz soon followed him.

Baltimore’s first-time skipper was ejected for the first time in his major league career in the third inning Sunday as bad went to worse for the Orioles.

Bassitt had conceded six runs in two innings, and left-hander Cade Povich, who likely should’ve started Monday’s game, entered in relief. And, with little to no offensive punch, Albernaz let home plate umpire James Jean hear it after the first pitch to Blaze Alexander.

Against right-hander Braxton Ashcraft, Alexander dug into the box and quickly raised his hand to Jean, seemingly arguing he wasn’t ready.

The dispute could have stemmed from a quick-pitch situation. A batter must be in the box and engaged with the pitcher — making eye contact — with eight seconds or more remaining on the pitch clock. A pitcher can’t begin his motion before a batter is ready.

It’s hard to discern whether Ashcraft began his delivery too soon, but Alexander certainly didn’t think the pitch should’ve counted. He dropped his bat from his shoulder and watched the strike.

Albernaz began chirping from the dugout, and soon Jean ejected the manager. Albernaz then argued his case on the field for a minute before heading down the dugout steps and into the clubhouse.

It has been a challenging series in Pittsburgh. The Pirates won the first two games of the series and lead the finale.