MLB

MLB reveals 54 per cent overturn rate after opening weekend of ABS challenges

By
TSN.ca Staff

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 29: The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System, which uses Hawkeye technology to verify pitch location is shown during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Texas Rangers on March 29th, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It’s safe to say teams and players are getting the hang of the ABS Challenge System.

Major League Baseball on Monday revealed that 54 per cent of the 175 challenges over the opening weekend of the 2026 season resulted in overturned calls.

Catchers had the highest rate of overturns at 64 per cent of their 92 attempts. Batters called for ABS on 78 occasions and were successful only 42 per cent of the time. The lowest level success - and lowest usage - came from pitchers who were successful on 40 per cent of their challenges. Of course, pitchers only called for a challenge five times.

After rolling out ABS in the minor leagues over the past few years, the system took hold in the big leagues as of this season. Teams start each game with two challenges and they are retained if successful. Should the call be confirmed, the team loses that challenge and cannot challenge again when their two are exhausted. Each team will be given an additional challenge should the game go to extra innings.

Only catchers, pitchers and batters can call for a challenge.