Mariners still adjusting to ABS challenge system at spring training

Mariners manager Dan Wilson is, so far, intrigued by the idea of the new automatic balls and strikes (ABS) challenge system.

His players, so far, are still figuring it out.

MLB is testing out the Automated Ball-Strike System this spring in 19 ballparks between Arizona and Florida. The system won’t be implemented during the regular season this year, but it could be in place as soon as 2026.

“I think the challenge system really is a nice way to sort of maintain the human part of the game with the umpires but also have a way to challenge it,” Wilson said Monday. “I’ll be curious to see how it plays out throughout spring.”

With the challenge system, the human umpire still calls balls and strikes, as usual, while the Hawk-Eye technology monitors every pitch. It’s the same technology that professional tennis has used to challenge in/out calls for nearly 20 years.

This spring, each team is granted two challenges — and only the pitcher, the catcher or the batter can initiate a challenge, and they can do so by tapping their hat or helmet.

If a strike/ball call is challenged, the Hawk-Eye view is then shown on the stadium video board and broadcast to viewers watching at home.

So far, Mariners players are 0 for 4 in challenging umpires’ ball-strike calls during Cactus League play.

On Sunday, Randy Arozarena unsuccessfully challenged a strike during a game at Peoria Stadium.

On Tuesday, Arozarena again unsuccessfully challenged a strike call.

The ABS system was not available during the Mariners-Brewers game Monday in Phoenix.