Reds Catcher Wins First ABS Challenge on Opening Day

Tyler Stephenson's successful challenge overturns a strike call in the 7th inning against the Red Sox.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:04pm

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In the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day game against the Boston Red Sox, catcher Tyler Stephenson successfully challenged an umpire's strike call in the bottom of the 7th inning, with the call being overturned. This was the Reds' first-ever use of the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, which debuted in MLB this season and allows players to challenge ball and strike calls.

Why it matters

The ABS challenge system is a significant new rule change for the 2026 MLB season, aimed at improving the accuracy of ball and strike calls. Stephenson's successful challenge highlights how teams and players are adjusting to this new technology, which could have a major impact on game outcomes throughout the season.

The details

Stephenson tapped his helmet after a strike call on a pitch from Red Sox reliever Justin Slaten. The call was overturned, and Stephenson went on to walk in the at-bat. Earlier in the game, the Red Sox had a successful ABS challenge of their own, overturning a ball call against Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suarez, who then struck out. The Reds' manager has said the team is not allowing its pitchers to challenge pitches.

  • The Reds' first-ever ABS challenge came in the bottom of the 7th inning on March 26, 2026.
  • In the 4th inning, the Red Sox had a successful ABS challenge to overturn a ball call.

The players

Tyler Stephenson

The Cincinnati Reds' catcher who successfully challenged an umpire's strike call in the 7th inning, with the call being overturned.

Terry Francona

The Reds' manager, who has said the team is not allowing its pitchers to challenge pitches.

Justin Slaten

The Boston Red Sox reliever who threw the pitch that Stephenson challenged.

Eugenio Suarez

The Reds' designated hitter whose at-bat saw a successful ABS challenge by the Red Sox in the 4th inning.

Garrett Crochet

The Reds' starting pitcher in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The successful ABS challenge by Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson showcases how teams and players are adapting to the new automated ball-strike technology in MLB. This system could have a significant impact on game outcomes throughout the 2026 season as players and managers learn to strategically utilize the challenge opportunities.