SAN FRANCISCO – New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero made major league history Wednesday night, becoming the first player to challenge a ball/strike call using the automated balls and strikes (ABS) system. The challenge, against a pitch from San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb, was unsuccessful.

First Challenge, First Loss

Caballero didn’t hesitate to contest the call. I wanted to try my luck, he admitted.

The play occurred in the top of the fourth inning. Webb threw a 90.7 mph sinker that home plate umpire Bill Miller called a strike. Caballero immediately signaled for a challenge. The ABS system, utilizing Hawk-Eye technology, confirmed Miller’s initial ruling.

Reaction to the New System

“I thought the ball was a little higher than what he showed,” Caballero said. I think it’s a really good thing, it makes everyone responsible. It gives us the opportunity to really observe our level of mastery of the area. I would have preferred it to be the other way around, but this time I couldn’t do it.”

Despite the unsuccessful challenge, Caballero contributed to the Yankees’ offensive effort earlier in the game, driving in the first run with a single in a five-run second inning against Webb.

Background on the ABS System

The automated system has been tested in the minor leagues since 2019 and was used during major league spring training in 2025 and 2026. The system uses Hawk-Eye technology to track pitches and determine whether they cross the plate within the strike zone.

Managerial Perspectives

Yankees manager Aaron Boone had prepared his team for the implementation of the ABS system. We discussed it a lot. It’s a subject on which we have invested a lot, especially me, Boone stated. I tried to take the initiative. We held an end-of-spring meeting with all the position players and receivers to review the different strategies and give my opinion.”

Boone emphasized the learning curve associated with the new system. I was very direct with them during the spring, in particular to tell them if a challenge was really good or, on the contrary, if it was very bad.”

New San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello admitted to a momentary surprise upon realizing the role of the automated system. Honestly, I was wondering who the referees would be tonight, he said. On Google, the first thing you see is that there will be a robot referee. It only lasted a fraction of a second, but I had a slight moment of panic.”

FAQ

• What is the ABS system? The Automated Balls and Strikes system uses technology to call balls and strikes.
• Who was the first player to challenge an ABS call? José Caballero of the New York Yankees.
• What was the result of the first ABS challenge? The challenge was unsuccessful.