The Automated Balls-Strikes system took over MLB in 2026, and the Los Angeles Dodgers had a fairly middling season with the new technology.
After their 162-game test run with the new system, how could ABS help—or hurt—the Dodgers in the postseason? What will ABS mean for the Dodgers in the postseason—if anything?
Did the Dodgers Use ABS Challenges Well?Batters
Dodgers batters initiated 159 challenges during the regular season, just three short of one challenge per game, and ranked 16th in MLB—right in the middle. Their results were more encouraging: they won 51% of the challenges they initiated.
MLB batters averaged a 49% overturn rate this year, which means the Dodgers were more than proficient in the challenges they used. Additionally, their 25 strikeouts flipped and 12 walks flipped both rank them within the top 10 teams in MLB this year.
That being said, the Dodgers didn’t take advantage of their keen eyes as much as they should have, as their 4.3% challenge rate ranked 19th in MLB.
Apr 23, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; A call is overturned using the automated ball strike (ABS) challenge system during the first inning between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn ImagesPitchers and Catchers
As a defensive unit, the Dodgers’ ABS numbers weren’t quite as impressive.
They challenged less than every team except the Philadelphia Phillies behind the plate, and had a league-average 58% overturn rate. They flipped 28 called balls into strikeouts, ranking 17th in MLB, and tied with three other teams for 18th in MLB with 10 walks taken away.
The Dodgers’ challenge rate on defense also ranked fourth-lowest in MLB.
Sep 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates with pitcher Edgardo Henriquez (60) after the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesWhat Do the Dodgers’ ABS Numbers Mean?
Statcast calculates how many runs ABS costs or grants to each team using run expectancy matrices, so it quantifies how useful the Dodgers’ ABS challenges were this season.
By their metrics, though, the Dodgers didn’t perform well.
The Dodgers had -8.5 net runs at the end of the regular season, meaning their challenges and challenges used against them led to a swing of nearly nine runs by the end of the season.
That ranks fifth-worst in MLB, and while it may be only 5% of a run per game when averaged across a 162-game season, one of those runs coming at the wrong time could be catastrophic for the Dodgers.
How Will ABS Affect The Dodgers’ Postseason?
Every team in the postseason had a better net runs rating than the Dodgers, except for the Cleveland Guardians, who play in the American League. All of the Dodgers’ potential National League opponents this postseason are at least six runs better than them in terms of ABS, which raises some red flags for the next month.
The Dodgers’ ABS struggles are clear after reviewing their regular-season performances, and they’ll certainly have to shape up in the postseason if they don’t want momentum swinging against them.
Dodgers Nation
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