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Source: New York Yankees
Summary
New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero made MLB history by being the first player to use the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) during a game. He challenged a strike call in the fourth inning of the Yankees’ 7-0 Opening Day win over the San Francisco Giants, but lost the challenge. Caballero said he wanted to challenge the call and thought it was a little higher than what was shown on the ABS system. Despite losing the challenge, he is a fan of the system and thinks it keeps everyone accountable.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script. Caballero, the Yankees’ shortstop, stepped up to challenge a strike call in the fourth inning. He tapped his head to initiate the challenge, but lost it. The ABS system showed the ball was in the zone, but Caballero thought it was higher. He’s a fan of the system, but this time it didn’t go his way. The Yankees were up 5-0 at the time of the challenge, and they went on to win 7-0.
This one felt recognizable early. The Yankees’ manager, Aaron Boone, has been direct with his feedback to players regarding their challenges. He’s tried to lead the charge on the system and thinks the team will be good at it.
Caballero’s challenge was the lone one of the game. The Yankees were up 5-0 at the time of the challenge. He drove in the first run of the 2026 MLB season with a single that scored Giancarlo Stanton in the second inning.
This one felt like a learning moment. The Yankees will look to continue their hot start when they take on the Giants on Friday at 4:35 p.m. ET.
This game felt like a slow start for the Giants, who were shut out 7-0. They will look to bounce back on Friday.
The result wasn’t surprising by the end. The Yankees’ dominant performance was expected after their strong spring training.
Original Observation: The Automated Ball-Strike System is changing the way players think about the strike zone, and it’s only a matter of time before it changes the game itself.
