Guardians Fans Adjust to New ABS Challenge System

The Automated Ball-Strike system brings instant gratification but also a learning curve for teams.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game, with the catcher, umpire, and batter rendered as fragmented geometric shapes, and the ball and strike zone represented as abstract forms, capturing the blend of technology and tradition in the new ABS Challenge System.The ABS Challenge System injects new technology into the traditional baseball fan experience, blending the human element with instant digital verdicts.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Guardians and their fans experienced the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System for the first time during the team's home opener against the Chicago Cubs. While the system can provide quick resolutions to disputed calls, the Guardians have struggled with it so far, winning just 2 of 13 challenges. Manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged the need for a learning curve, but is unsure if the ABS system is ultimately good for baseball.

Why it matters

The ABS Challenge System represents a significant change to the traditional fan experience, allowing fans to see instant rulings on ball and strike calls. However, the system's impact on the game's flow and strategy is still unclear, as teams work to master the new technology.

The details

The ABS system allows pitchers, catchers or batters to challenge ball or strike calls within about two seconds of the pitch. A graphic displaying the result is then shown on the scoreboard and TV. Teams start with two challenges per game and retain them if successful. Through their first eight games, the Guardians have been successful on just 2 of 13 challenges, the fewest wins and most losses in MLB so far.

  • The ABS system has been used in the minor leagues since 2022 and in MLB spring training since last year.
  • The ABS system made its regular season debut at the Guardians' home opener on April 3, 2026.

The players

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians, who acknowledged the need for a learning curve with the new ABS system but is unsure if it is ultimately good for baseball.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want to win as many challenges as we can. We don't care about our percentage. We don't care. We need to continue to use it because you're going to learn how to get better at it by using it. So, we don't have any rules.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

“It's just like the pitch clock. We need to learn how to use it. I think it's great for some egregious calls. I think it's great, and so is the challenge system. Sure. I don't know. I'm kind of an old-school guy, so it's definitely a change.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

What’s next

The Guardians will continue to experiment with the ABS Challenge System as they look to improve their success rate. The team and its fans will closely monitor how the new technology impacts the game's flow and strategy throughout the season.

The takeaway

The introduction of the ABS Challenge System represents a significant shift in the traditional baseball fan experience, providing instant gratification but also a learning curve for teams as they adapt to the new technology. The long-term impact on the game remains to be seen.