NEW YORK. — Venezuelan catcher Francisco Álvarez wrote his name in Major League Baseball history by becoming the first player to successfully challenge the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) in an official MLB game.
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The play occurred in the third inning of the game between the Mets and the Pirates at Citi Field. With a full count, Álvarez decided to challenge a fastball thrown by the Dominican Freddy Peralta to the batter Oneil Cruz. Initially, the umpire called a ball, but after reviewing the ABS system, the decision was reversed to a third strike, marking the second out of the inning.
The decision proved key in the development of the inning, as shortly after Brandon Lowe hit a home run. The correct challenge allowed the Mets to limit the damage at that point in the game.
How does the ABS system work?
The ABS Challenge System allows pitchers, catchers, or batters to appeal ball and strike calls made by the home plate umpire. To do so, the player must touch their cap or helmet immediately after the pitch, without dugout intervention.
Each team has two challenges per game, but if the challenges are correct, they maintain the opportunity to continue appealing during the game.
The system uses tracking technology to accurately measure the location of the pitch in relation to the strike zone, which is adjusted to the height of each batter. In a matter of seconds, the result is displayed on the stadium screen and on the television broadcast, similar to the reviews in professional tennis.
The ABS had already been tested in minor leagues since 2022 and in spring training, but this season marks its official implementation in Major League games, adding a new strategic element to the sport without eliminating the role of human umpires.
With this successful first challenge, Francisco Álvarez is registered as the protagonist of a historic moment in the technological evolution of Major League Baseball.
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