Automated Ball-Strike challenge system making an impact, Tony Vitello gets a reality check and Blue Jays pick up where they left off

The biggest storyline heading into the 2026 Major League Baseball season was how teams would adapt to and utilize the newly implemented Automated Ball-Strike challenge system. After a weekend’s worth of games, it’s already making an impact on outcomes, and we couldn’t be happier about it.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the instant success that ABS has been, both in terms of its importance in games and for fan entertainment. They dive into early statistics surrounding the challenges, including which catchers are succeeding and why hitters appear to be getting the shorter end of the stick instead of pitchers. We also saw the first ejection associated with ABS—but could more be coming?

Later, Jake and Jordan recap every matchup from the weekend, including why Tony Vitello needs to take a breath after his San Francisco Giants got swept by the New York Yankees, the Toronto Blue Jays picking up where they left off after their magical World Series run, and thoughts on Edwin Díaz’s entrance with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The guys then discuss the hottest start for the Miami Marlins since 2009, Chase DeLauter’s great series against the Seattle Mariners, and a few messy games between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels.

1:10 - The Opener: Impact of ABS
28:09 - How Sweep It Is: Yankees sweep Giants
36:31 - Dodgers start the season hot
47:03 - Around the League: DeLauter says hello
51:44 - Mets fail to sweep Pirates
55:33 - Turbo Mode: Every series recap

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