Batters have been more successful on robot umpire challenges in the playoffs than during the regular season, and teams are using the Automated Ball-Strike System more overall in its postseason debut. Of 121 challenges across the 25 games of the Wild Card Series and Division Series, 71 prevailed, a 59% success rate up from 54% in the regular season. Batters improved to 57% (29 of 51) from 49%.
Teams are also challenging more often, averaging 4.8 per game compared with 4.3 during the regular season. Batter challenges rose to 2.04 per game from 1.96. Because teams lose challenges after two unsuccessful appeals in a game, winning more appeals gives them more opportunities. Catchers won 60% (42 of 70) of their challenges, just above their 59% regular-season mark. Rays catcher Liam Hicks said teams may be more cautious, saving challenges for meaningful moments.
Among the four teams advancing to the League Championship Series, Cleveland won 7 of 13, Milwaukee 8 of 16, Tampa Bay 3 of 5 and the Dodgers 2 of 6. Atlanta had the most challenges, winning 14 of 22 over seven games. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto had the first game-ending ABS challenge in postseason history. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the skill is a new one for players, with some adapting quickly and others still developing it.
Only 17 challenges occurred in high-leverage situations, and eight of them succeeded. Among umpires, four had perfect challenge records, while Lance Barrett was overturned on 10 of 12 challenges during Milwaukee's Division Series win over San Diego.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing