Baltimore Catcher Makes MLB History with Robo-Ump Challenge

Samuel Basallo becomes first player to successfully challenge a call at the plate using the Automated Ball-Strike System.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:22pm

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In a game against the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo made history by becoming the first major league player to successfully challenge a call using the new Automated Ball-Strike System, ending the game with the overturned call.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike System in MLB this season has been a significant change, and Basallo's successful challenge highlights how the new technology is impacting the game in real-time situations.

The details

With two outs in the top of the ninth inning and the Orioles leading 8-3, Texas batter Evan Carter took a 1-2 pitch that was called a ball by the home plate umpire. Basallo immediately challenged the call, and replay showed the pitch caught the upper outside corner of the strike zone, resulting in the out and the Orioles' victory.

  • In the top of the ninth inning on April 1, 2026.
  • This is the first season the Automated Ball-Strike System is being used in regular-season MLB games.

The players

Samuel Basallo

A 21-year-old catcher for the Baltimore Orioles who made history by becoming the first MLB player to successfully challenge a call using the new Automated Ball-Strike System.

Albert Suárez

The Orioles pitcher who recorded the final out of the game after Basallo's successful challenge.

Evan Carter

The Texas Rangers batter whose at-bat ended the game after Basallo's challenge.

Manny Gonzalez

The home plate umpire who made the initial ball call that Basallo challenged.

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What they’re saying

“I think we had two (challenges left) at that point. I thought why not use it? Better to use it and see what happens instead of holding onto it.”

— Samuel Basallo, Baltimore Catcher

“I wasn't thinking it was a strike, and then when he challenged I was like, 'OK, let's see.' Good thing we got it.”

— Albert Suárez, Orioles Pitcher

What’s next

The Automated Ball-Strike System will continue to be a major point of discussion throughout the 2026 MLB season as players, coaches, and fans adjust to the new technology.

The takeaway

Basallo's successful challenge using the Automated Ball-Strike System highlights how this new technology is already impacting the game in significant ways, with players and teams learning to strategically utilize the system to their advantage.