Twins Set MLB Record for Most ABS Challenges in a Game

Minnesota leads the league in successful Automated Ball-Strike system challenges this season

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:03am

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The 2026 Minnesota Twins set new MLB records for the most Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system challenges requested (9), overturned calls (8), and combined challenges in a game (11) during an ugly 13-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. Through five games, the Twins have converted a league-high 16 ABS challenges, far outpacing other teams like the Yankees and Orioles.

Why it matters

The Twins' aggressive use of the new ABS challenge system highlights how teams are quickly adapting to the new technology, which was introduced this season to improve the accuracy and consistency of ball and strike calls. The Twins' success rate in overturning calls suggests they have a strong analytical approach to identifying borderline pitches worth challenging.

The details

In the Wednesday night loss, Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers converted four ABS challenges, three behind the plate and one while batting. Left fielder Austin Martin went 2-for-2 in his challenges, and Luke Keaschall was also successful. The only Twins player to incorrectly challenge a call was Matt Wallner on a 3-2 pitch in the first inning.

  • On Wednesday, April 2, 2026, the Twins set new records for ABS challenges in a single game.
  • Through the first 5 games of the 2026 season, the Twins have converted a league-high 16 ABS challenges.

The players

Minnesota Twins

The 2026 MLB team that has been the most aggressive and successful in using the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system.

Ryan Jeffers

The Twins' catcher who converted 4 ABS challenges in the Wednesday night loss, 3 behind the plate and 1 while batting.

Austin Martin

The Twins' left fielder who went 2-for-2 in successful ABS challenges during the Wednesday night game.

Luke Keaschall

A Twins player who was successful in his ABS challenge during the Wednesday night game.

Matt Wallner

The only Twins player to incorrectly challenge a call, doing so on a 3-2 pitch in the first inning of the Wednesday night game.

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What they’re saying

“The thing our hitters should see is the egregious ones. What we need to do on our end is find the guys that (are) apprehensive and show them and say 'You have the ability to challenge.'”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

What’s next

The Twins will look to continue their aggressive and successful use of the ABS challenge system as they aim to turn around their slow 1-4 start to the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Twins' record-setting performance in leveraging the new Automated Ball-Strike challenge system highlights how teams are quickly adapting to the new technology and using data-driven strategies to gain an edge. Their success rate in overturning calls suggests the Twins have a strong analytical approach to identifying borderline pitches worth challenging.