But their strategy is a work in progress.‌
Fans are ‘entertained’ by ABS. Here’s how the Phillies feel about the new pitch-challenge system after one week.
In an unintended consequence of trying to get more calls correct, the automated ball-strike system (ABS, for short) appears to have caused some fans in our short-attention-span world to scroll through their phones less and get more engaged in the game.

“Yeah, fans love it because then they get to yell at the umpire or yell at the [opposing] player,” Trea Turner said. “So, I think it’s entertaining for them. I know they’re pretty intrigued by it, one way or the other.”

Indeed, ABS is sparking discussion — and not only in the bleachers. Because teams start a game with two challenges and retain them only if they get them right. Across the sport, then, front offices, analytics departments, and coaching staffs are sorting through data to establish best practices for when to challenge a call and when to hold back.

After one week, here’s how some Phillies catchers, batters, and pitchers view ABS.

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