So far, so good for the ABS challenge system.
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh called the first successful ball-strike challenge in major league history in the bottom of the first at the 2025 All-Star Game. It resulted in a ball becoming a strike for Tigers southpaw Tarik Skubal, which resulted in a strikeout of Padres third baseman Manny Machado.
MLB is introducing the ABS system for the first time at the Midsummer Classic this year after experimenting with it in spring training. The pitcher, catcher, or batter can initiate a challenge immediately after an umpire’s call. If successful, the challenge is retained, and teams get two challenges per game.
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Here’s a look at Raleigh’s ABS challenge in the All-Star game.
MORE: MLB robot umpires, explained: What to know about ABS challenge system
Cal Raleigh’s successful ABS challenge
Raleigh’s challenge came on an 0-2 pitch in the bottom of the first. A ball that appeared to be a strike in real time was called a ball, but the call was overturned. With the AL already trailing 2-0, a punchout was going to be a big help to Skubal.
Our first ABS Challenge of the All-Star Game! pic.twitter.com/DIXRgra6fg
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 16, 2025
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson also made the challenge sign when the pitch was called a ball, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts could only help but laugh with Raleigh.
There were a few more challenges later in the game. Wilson turned a strike into a ball in the top of the fifth, and Edwin Diaz turned a ball into a strike in the top of the ninth. Kyle Stowers had the one unsuccessful challenge on the night in the bottom of the eighth.
MORE 2025 MLB ALL-STAR GAME:
Reactions to ABS challenge system
Many fans and analysts have been calling for the ABS challenge system at the big league level for a while, and Tuesday’s successful challenge is only intensifying that sentiment. While there won’t be any changes midseason, some are calling for the ABS challenge system in the second half of 2025.
Let this ABS Challenge be the first of many.
Just like the pitch clock, once it’s implemented, it’ll be another thing we wish happened sooner.
pic.twitter.com/JIZ0ndhP4A— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) July 16, 2025
This is sick
1st ABS Challenge in All-Star Game HISTORY!!
It took 7 seconds pic.twitter.com/3INbBif6ro
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) July 16, 2025
Hear me out.
Just go ahead and implement the ABS challenge system for the second half of the season. #AllStarGames2025
— Reds Daily (@RedsDaily4) July 16, 2025
Tarik Skubal on Monday, when asked about the ABS challenge system in the All-Star Game: “I don’t plan on using it.”
Tarik Skubal on Tuesday: pic.twitter.com/gPjDqkwqWA
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) July 16, 2025
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