"The ABS Challenge System is a huge change for MLB in 2026. While the basic idea is straightforward, there is a ton of nuance to how it is used."
"Every pitch thrown in a big league game this year will be tracked and located, but human umpires will still be behind the plate calling balls and strikes."
"Should the pitcher, the catcher, or the batter feel a call was wrong, they can challenge the pitch by immediately tapping their head."
"Each team will get two challenges per game. Successful challenges are retained, so technically you could have an infinite number of challenges if you're never wrong."
The 2026 MLB season introduces Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS), allowing players to challenge ball and strike calls. Human umpires will still call the game, but players can challenge a call by tapping their head. Each team has two challenges per game, which can be retained if successful. In extra innings, one challenge is available per inning. Challenges are not allowed when a position player is pitching, and umpires can disallow challenges they deem inappropriate.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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