Red Sox Veteran Criticizes MLB's New Automated Ball-Strike System

Sonny Gray calls the 'weird game we're playing now' as the league adjusts to the new technology.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant colors, capturing the chaotic and disorienting nature of the new Automated Ball-Strike system in Major League Baseball.The new Automated Ball-Strike system is forcing players, managers, and umpires to adapt to a 'weird' new game of baseball.Cincinnati Today

Red Sox veteran pitcher Sonny Gray voiced his criticism of Major League Baseball's new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system after his team's 6-5 loss to the Reds on Saturday. Gray said the new technology has made the game 'weird' and that it's a 'different game we're playing now.' The ABS system, which was introduced this season, led to multiple challenges and overturned calls during the game, especially when rookie pitcher Ryan Watson took the mound in relief. Gray praised Watson for his composure in the chaotic situation, but acknowledged that the transition to the new system has been difficult for veteran players like himself.

Why it matters

The introduction of the ABS system in Major League Baseball this season has been a major change for the sport, with players, managers, and umpires all having to adjust to the new technology. Gray's comments highlight the challenges that veteran players are facing as they adapt to the new system, which can significantly impact the flow and strategy of the game.

The details

The bulk of the ABS-related chaos in Saturday's game came after Gray's four-inning start, with the Red Sox running out of challenges by the top of the third inning. The Reds, however, went 5-for-5 in challenge attempts against Red Sox relievers Danny Coulombe and Ryan Watson. When Watson took the mound in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and two outs, he immediately found himself in the middle of the ABS challenges, with Reds hitters Eugenio Suárez and Will Benson successfully overturning strike calls. Despite the tumult, Watson managed to pitch 2 1/3 scoreless innings.

  • On Saturday, March 29, 2026, the Red Sox lost 6-5 to the Reds.
  • Sonny Gray made a four-inning start for the Red Sox in the game.

The players

Sonny Gray

A veteran right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, now in his 14th MLB season.

Ryan Watson

A Red Sox relief pitcher who made his MLB debut in the game, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings despite the ABS-related challenges.

Eugenio Suárez

The Reds' designated hitter who successfully challenged back-to-back pitches during a bases-loaded at-bat in the sixth inning.

Will Benson

The Reds' right fielder who successfully overturned two strike calls during his at-bat in the seventh inning.

CB Bucknor

The umpire behind the plate for the game, who had a 72% accuracy rating on strikes, significantly below average.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm not a fan, but it is what it is. It's just a weird game we're playing now.'”

— Sonny Gray, Red Sox Pitcher

“'Not at that magnitude. That's probably the loudest I've heard a stadium while pitching, so it was intense for sure.'”

— Ryan Watson, Red Sox Relief Pitcher

“'There's guys that have been in the league forever. It's hard.'”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox and Reds will play the final game of their series on Sunday, March 30, 2026.

The takeaway

The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike system in Major League Baseball this season has been a significant change that is forcing players, managers, and umpires to adapt. Veteran players like Sonny Gray are struggling with the 'weird' new game, while younger players like Ryan Watson are trying to navigate the intense atmosphere created by the new technology. As the season progresses, the league will continue to work on refining the ABS system and helping everyone involved adjust to the new normal.