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Atlanta – Smaller league baseball players have had the opportunity to become familiar with the automated ball strike (ABS) system. Major League players were introduced to it in spring training, but when the regular season began, the home plate gave up if a pitch fell within the strike zone.
The challenge system, which has given rise to some controversy in the baseball world, will make its prime time debut on Tuesday’s MLB All-Star game.
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A view of a repetition of video boards of an automated ball-strike system challenge during a game between Buffalo Bisons and Worcester Red Sox on May 5, 2023 in Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts. (Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The reaction in the days when MLB confirmed that the system would be used has been mixed. Those who have baseball’s traditions dear have expressed frustration or even indignation.
However, Cleveland Guardians left Fielder Steven Kwan took a more measured approach.
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“I think it’s a cool addition,” Kwan told Pakinomist Digital Monday in Atlanta, the host city to this year’s Midsummer Classic. “I think (we) need more experience with it. We only got to do it in spring training. It’s definitely some spring training when you’re in the box (struggling) with it, but I generally think it’s a good addition.”
Steven Kwan of Cleveland Guardians under All-Star Workout Day in Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
During the All-Star game, the National League team and the American League Club each get permission for two challenges. If a challenge is used and maintained, the team will be able to preserve it. A dough, jug or catcher can challenge a ball strike call.
But if a player wants to issue a challenge, the time is the essence. Any challenge must be presented immediately after a strike or ball is called.
The All-Star Game logo at Truist Park during a game between Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels. (Brett Davis-Preferred Pictures)
Pittsburgh Pirates Ace Paul Skene was among the high-profile players who chimmed into the ABS system.
“Casters think everything is a strike,” Pirates ACE told journalists in Atlanta on Monday. “Then you go back and look at it, and it’s two, three balls away. So we shouldn’t be the ones who challenge it. I really like the human element of the game. I think this is one of the things you kind of think umpires are big until they are not.”
Skenes seemed to take a nonchalant attitude about the case and said he “could kind of care less, no matter what, to be honest.”
The ABS system is not expected to be involved in regular seasonal matches when the All-Star break ends. MLB has not revealed any potential schedule to use the system in regular or autumn games, but testing it in the All-Star game seems to be a step towards it eventually becoming part of the game.
