Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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According to a report from the “Talkin’ Baseball” podcast, three San Diego Padres players have said that their teammate, starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, should not be allowed to use the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system in MLB games. The players cited Pivetta’s highly competitive nature and tendency to think every pitch he throws is a strike.

Why it matters

The new ABS challenge system is being implemented across MLB to improve the consistency and accuracy of ball and strike calls. However, if players cannot be trusted to use the system properly, it could undermine the intended benefits and lead to further disputes between players and umpires.

The details

Three Padres players – Joe Musgrove, Michael King, and an unnamed third player – all stated that Pivetta would not be allowed to use the ABS challenge system because of his overly competitive nature and belief that every pitch he throws is a strike. Pivetta had a strong 2025 season, his first with the Padres, and is expected to be the team’s Opening Day starter in 2026 if he remains with the club.

The comments from the Padres players were made earlier this week during an interview with the “Talkin’ Baseball” podcast crew in Arizona.
The players

Nick Pivetta

A starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres who had a standout 2025 season and is expected to be the team’s Opening Day starter in 2026 if he remains with the club. However, his teammates have expressed concerns about his ability to properly use the new ABS challenge system due to his highly competitive nature and belief that every pitch he throws is a strike.

Joe Musgrove

A Padres pitcher who stated that Pivetta would not be allowed to use the ABS challenge system because of his competitive tendencies.

Michael King

A Padres pitcher who agreed with Musgrove’s assessment that Pivetta should not be allowed to use the ABS challenge system.

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What they’re saying

“He is just super competitive.”

— Joe Musgrove, Padres Pitcher (Talkin’ Baseball)

“First one that comes to mind is Pivetta. He is just greedy.”

— Michael King, Padres Pitcher (Talkin’ Baseball)

What’s next

The Padres will need to determine how to handle the ABS challenge system with Pivetta on the roster, as his teammates have expressed concerns about his ability to use it properly.

The takeaway

The implementation of the new ABS challenge system in MLB could face challenges if players cannot be trusted to use it objectively, as evidenced by the Padres players’ concerns about their teammate Nick Pivetta. This highlights the need for clear guidelines and training to ensure the system is used as intended to improve the accuracy of ball and strike calls.