Every team in the major leagues is learning the ins and outs of the new Automated Ball-Strike challenge system, (ABS), and Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora believes his team may have come out of the gates swinging a bit too much.
“We just have to be very smart how we use it. The last two, three games, we’ve been too aggressive and you saw in the game in Cincinnati we were aggressive early on and didn’t have any challenges [later],” Cora told ‘WEEI Afternoons’ Tuesday. “I don’t want to say it cost us the game, but there was a pitch to Trevor, I think it was a 3-2 count right around the fifth inning, with two on that it was clearly a ball but we didn’t have the challenge, so it cost us.”
Young hitter Roman Anthony has garnered praise for his plate discipline, but he was the first to call out his poor timing in using one of two of the Sox’ ABS challenges at the top of the third inning in the game mentioned by Cora.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 30: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox in action during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on March 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images
“Wasting it there doesn't help anything. So, I’ve got to do better on my end to just not get overly aggressive and be absolutely sure. The situation on 3-1 didn't call for it, so, stupid on my end, and it won’t happen again,” Anthony told reporters after the game.
Through Monday, Anthony was one of three MLB hitters to already tally three ABS challenges. According to ESPN, Mike Trout leads the majors in batter challenge with four. Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez leads all players having already called for five challenges during the opening stretch of the season.
Umpire CB Buckner made headlines for six overturned calls in one game, but Chris Segal actually has the most calls overturned by ABS on the season. On 10 challenges, he’s had seven calls reversed.
Cora said the ABS challenge system has benefitted the game, but maintained that umps do “a pretty good job.”
“The umpires – it’s a tough job. It’s probably the toughest job in the world, calling balls and strikes. Pitching right now is at its best,” he said.
