Story perspectives

MLB's New ABS System Debuts with 54% Overturn Rate

3/31/2026

Summary

Cora and Shelton Ejected

The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System debuted during MLB's 2026 opening weekend, posting a 54% overturn rate from 175 challenges.
Catchers succeeded 64% on 92 attempts, batters 42% on 78 challenges, and pitchers 40% on five challenges.
Alex Cora (Boston Red Sox manager) and Derek Shelton (Minnesota Twins manager) were ejected for arguing ABS-related calls.
The system uses Hawk-Eye to measure pitches within one-sixth of an inch to improve officiating.

Summary

Perez Navigates Challenges

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez went 4-for-4 on challenges during the opening weekend of the 2026 MLB season under the Automated Ball-Strike System.
The ABS System uses 12 cameras to make precise calls, highlighting Perez's navigation of it.
The Royals emphasize strategic challenges, especially in two-strike situations.
Manager Mike Matheny credited Perez for framing pitches.

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Cora and Shelton Ejected

The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System debuted during MLB's 2026 opening weekend, posting a 54% overturn rate from 175 challenges.
Catchers succeeded 64% on 92 attempts, batters 42% on 78 challenges, and pitchers 40% on five challenges.
Alex Cora (Boston Red Sox manager) and Derek Shelton (Minnesota Twins manager) were ejected for arguing ABS-related calls.
The system uses Hawk-Eye to measure pitches within one-sixth of an inch to improve officiating.

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