Dodgers Still Among Worst in Majors in ABS Challenges

[ASFN Admin]

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The Los Angeles Dodgers sit second in the Cactus League at 10-7 this spring, but are still struggling with a key new element in 2026.

The Dodgers have — by far — the lowest successful challenge rate in MLB this spring, winning just 18% of their batter-initiated challenges and 27% of their defense-initiated challenges. Collectively, they’ve won just five of their 22 successful challenges during spring training.

They also rank second-worst in MLB in terms of total challenges vs. expected challenges — a statistic which describes a team’s proficiency at challenging — with a mark of -9.3.

The Automatic Ball-Strike system will enter its debut season in MLB this year, and will certainly play a huge part in games being decided. If the Dodgers don’t start getting the hang of the new technology soon, they’ll find themselves at a huge disadvantage throughout the season.

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Mar 4, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the Jumbotron during an automated ball-strike challenge aka ABS during the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Cincinnati Reds during spring training at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

How Does the ABS System Work?​

The ABS system uses high-speed cameras to track pitches and determine whether a pitch is a ball or a strike. Umpires will still be present at games and make calls on pitches, but both teams will be able to challenge a call twice a game.

Teams retain their challenge if they are successful in overturning the call, but lose one of their two opportunities if they are not. Only batters, pitchers and catchers are allowed to initiate a challenge, meaning managers and coaches will not be able to do so. Umpires can also nullify a challenge if they feel a third party influenced the challenger to do so.

To determine whether a pitch is a ball or a strike, the ABS system takes into account the pitch location based on each player’s unique strike zone. The parameters are as follows.

“The ABS zone is set as follows: the top is 53.5% of a player’s measured height without cleats, the bottom is 27%, and pitch location is captured above the middle of the plate, not the front,” Baseball Savant’s website reads.

Challenging players are to issue their challenges promptly after the call, and the umpire also reserves the right to nullify the challenge if they feel it isn’t timely.

While the Dodgers are struggling with the new system, they still have a few weeks left in spring training to familiarize themselves with it before regular season games start. They’ll look to improve their challenge rate as the season draws near so they can remain at the top of the pack as they begin their title defense once again.

How do you feel about the ABS system?

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