Yankees Slugger Aaron Judge Wins First ABS Challenge After Team Meetings

Manager Aaron Boone admits being 'anal' about preparing for baseball's new Automated Ball-Strike System.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:22am

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New York Yankees star Aaron Judge believes the team went overboard in preparing for baseball's new Automated Ball-Strike System, with manager Aaron Boone acknowledging he was 'a little anal' about it. Judge's successful challenge during a key at-bat on Friday night helped him hit a two-run home run in a 3-0 win over the San Francisco Giants. The Yankees and Giants combined for seven overturned calls in the first two games of the series as both teams adjusted to the new system.

Why it matters

The new Automated Ball-Strike System is a major change for MLB, and teams are still working to adapt their strategies and approaches. Judge's experience highlights how players and managers are navigating the new technology, which can have a significant impact on game outcomes. The Yankees' focus on preparing for the system suggests it could be a key competitive advantage for teams that master it early on.

The details

In the sixth inning of Friday's game, Judge challenged what was originally ruled a strike two by the plate umpire on an 86.1 mph slider from Giants pitcher Robbie Ray. The call was overturned by the 'robot umpire,' putting Judge in a better count before he hit a two-run home run five pitches later. Overall, there were seven challenges of calls by the plate umpires in the first two games of the series, with four overturned in favor of the Giants and three for the Yankees.

  • On Friday, March 27, 2026, Judge successfully challenged a strike two call in the sixth inning.
  • On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Yankees lost the first challenge of the MLB season during a 7-0 win over the Giants.

The players

Aaron Judge

The two-time reigning AL MVP for the New York Yankees, who grounded out in his first at-bat on Saturday before later hitting a home run.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who acknowledges being 'a little anal' about preparing the team for the new Automated Ball-Strike System.

Robbie Ray

The San Francisco Giants pitcher who threw the 86.1 mph slider that was challenged by Aaron Judge.

Paul Goldschmidt

The Yankees player who scored on Aaron Judge's two-run home run after starting the rally with a double.

Chad Fairchild

The plate umpire who originally ruled the pitch to Aaron Judge as strike two, before the call was overturned.

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What they’re saying

“We had too many meetings about it in my opinion.”

— Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Player

“I was kind of obsessive over it, so I wanted to talk about it a lot. I was going up to individuals almost routinely after every one, 'Hey, I really liked that one,' why, 'I hated that one,' why.”

— Aaron Boone, New York Yankees Manager

“Weird, it's part of the game, but you've got to get used to it. I'm a hitter, I've got to focus on hitting. I'm not going try to sit here and challenge every single one I think is close, but if there's a big spot where I think I've got a chance to flip the count I'm going to do it. I've still got to go up there and do my job as a hitter.”

— Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Player

What’s next

The Yankees and Giants will continue to adapt to the new Automated Ball-Strike System as the season progresses, with both teams likely making further adjustments to their strategies and approaches.

The takeaway

The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike System is a significant change for MLB, and teams like the Yankees are working hard to gain a competitive edge by mastering the new technology. While there are still some kinks to be worked out, the system could prove to be a valuable asset for teams that can leverage it effectively.