Skenes welcomed the ABS Zone, saying it’s “pretty cool” and not skewing heavily toward pitchers. He added that the strike zone feels correct and wouldn’t be changed: “The strike zone is the strike zone. A tenth of an inch inside the zone is still a strike. I wouldn’t change anything.”
Other players are still finding their feet with ABS. Adley Rutschman of the Orioles noted the new system adds a different dimension and requires thinking about when to challenge. Athletics reliever Mark Leiter Jr. acknowledged some difficulty in discerning balls from strikes with the new framework.
Leiter also highlighted strategic questions, pointing out that the two challenges allowed per team might limit pitchers’ use of challenges. Through the Athletics’ first 19 games, only one pitcher had challenged a call, underscoring how teams are weighing risk and benefit in real time.
ESPN’s tracking shows broader early dynamics: 13 teams had not had a single pitcher challenge a strike, and only three teams—the Pirates, Orioles, and Phillies—have had multiple pitcher challenges. The data illustrate a cautious start to pitcher-initiated challenges across the league.
One proposed adjustment from Leiter would be to add one challenge per game for the starting pitcher and one per game for the bullpen, likely in addition to the existing two-challenge allowances for the lineup or catcher.
Beyond the mechanics, players praised umpires for accuracy and highlighted fan engagement. Travis d’Arnaud and Jared Young emphasized that umpires have been accurate, while Kevin Gausman noted fans’ enjoyment of weighing in on calls. Rico Garcia added that fan participation has increased excitement when calls are overturned or confirmed.
