ABS is here — and the Phillies are ready to ‘adapt’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Major League Baseball is set to introduce the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system in 2026, following extensive testing. Phillies manager Rob Thomson supports the change, noting that player acceptance is crucial, while pitcher Cristopher Sánchez emphasizes the need for adaptation. The system allows two challenges per game and aims to improve call accuracy without undermining pitch framing. As MLB continues to focus on game integrity, the transition to ABS is expected to normalize over time.
