In its first year of implementation at the major league level, the Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System seems to have been an overwhelming success.
Players, managers and fans have all responded favorably to the two-challenge format that has been in effect for the 2026 season. Players have learned to use their challenges judiciously.
Managers don't need to ride the umpires to try and influence their calls. And fans get the immediate satisfaction of seeing almost instantly whether or not a borderline pitch was actually a ball or a strike.
So why mess with a good thing when playoff time rolls around?
ABS rules for MLB playoffs
While the number of replay challenges available for each manager increases from one to two in the playoffs, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge
System will remain exactly the same as it was during the regular season.
Each team begins the game with two challenges and keeps any challenges that are successful. If the game goes to extra innings, teams receive an additional challenge if they don't have any left at the start of an inning.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are ABS challenge system rules for MLB playoffs?
