The league is now set to implement the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) Challenge System on a regular basis in 2026, which should have a huge impact on the sport. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has continued to search for ways to improve the game and has floated the idea of shortening the 162-game regular season schedule on several occasions. That remains a possibility along with potentially adding an in-season tournament similar to the NBA, via Chad Jennings, Andy McCullough and Sam Blum of The Athletic:
Major League Baseball announced yesterday that the automated ball-strike challenge system will be implemented in the 2026 season, complete with a corporate partnership with T-Mobile. (Yes, that's where we are in late capitalism: rules now have corporate sponsors.) If you've been to any AAA games over the past few years, or paid attention during spring training, then you already know how this works. Every team starts each game with two challenges, which are retained when a challenge is successful.
The Atlanta Braves made a flurry of roster moves Tuesday that officially placed Ozzie Albies on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured hamate. In addition, right-hander Joel Payamps reported to Atlanta, infielder Brett Wisely was recalled, and righty Nathan Wiles was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. With just four games to go, we're finally getting to the close of what has felt like a never-ending roster shuffle.
"Everybody's probably for it at this point," said manager Bob Melvin. "You saw how many misses there were in spring training and there's so much information now that, like anything they've done here recently, they're trying to get it right and make it better."
