Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals: The automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system is undoubtedly going to be a major addition to MLB with its introduction to the league at the start of the 2026 season. The new technology has already made a considerable impact on the game over the first weekend of the new campaign. But players, coaches, and even the officials are still adjusting to the innovation.
A hilarious mix-up with the ABS challenge system occurred at Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs hosted the Washington Nationals on Saturday afternoon. In the second inning, Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner attempted to steal second base on a low outside breaking ball from Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas.
Washington catcher Drew Millas unsuccessfully tried to throw the runner out before asking the home plate umpire Jim Wolf if the pitch was a strike. Wolf judged it as a ball, but he mistakenly thought the catcher had asked for an ABS challenge and announced it to the crowd. After realizing his error, the umpire cancelled the review but suggested Millas should have challenged it.