NORTH PORT, Fla. – Pittsburgh Pirates pitching sensation Paul Skenes experienced a firsthand introduction to Major League Baseball’s new automated ball-strike (ABS) system during his first spring training start Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves. The 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner had four called strikes overturned in favor of the Braves’ hitters, a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of umpiring in the game.
Skenes, entering his third season with the Pirates, pitched 2 1/3 innings at CoolToday Park, striking out four batters while issuing four walks. The outing, consisting of 53 pitches, is expected to be his last before joining Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. He allowed one hit and one earned run against 12 batters.
The new ABS system allows teams to challenge umpire calls on balls and strikes. If a challenge is successful, the original call is overturned. The Braves were a perfect 4-for-4 on their challenges against Skenes, turning what were initially called strikes into balls. This highlights the system’s potential to significantly impact game strategy and pitcher-umpire dynamics.
The challenges began in the first inning. Braves first baseman Matt Olson successfully challenged an 82.3 mph curveball initially called a strike, resulting in a walk. Jurickson Profar followed with a challenge on a 98.3 mph fastball, too overturned to a ball, leading to another walk. Even Austin Riley managed to acquire a 99 mph pitch overturned, though he ultimately struck out swinging on the subsequent pitch.
In the second inning, Braves center fielder Michael Harris II successfully challenged a 97.6 mph fastball that had been called a strike. These challenges underscore the precision and scrutiny the ABS system brings to the game, and the adjustments pitchers and hitters will require to make.
Despite the challenges, Skenes showcased his impressive velocity, consistently hitting the upper 90s with his fastball. He threw 27 pitches for strikes, in addition to the four that were overturned. The outing provided valuable experience with the new system, which is being implemented to improve the accuracy of ball and strike calls.
Skenes’ performance comes on the heels of a stellar 2025 season where he earned the Cy Young Award, finishing with a 21-13 record and a 1.96 ERA, while racking up 386 strikeouts. He also earned two All-Star selections and was named to the All-MLB First Team twice, solidifying his position as one of the league’s premier pitchers. He debuted with the Pirates in May 2024, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force on the mound.
The implementation of the ABS system is a significant development in Major League Baseball, aiming to reduce controversy and ensure fair calls. While the system isn’t without its growing pains – as evidenced by Skenes’ experience – it represents a commitment to accuracy and fairness in the game. For Skenes, it’s a new element to navigate as he prepares for another season with the Pirates and a potential run with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
Skenes and the Pirates will now turn their attention to the upcoming season, with the hope that he can build on his impressive 2025 campaign. His next appearance is anticipated to be with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, where he will represent his country on the international stage. The Pirates open their regular season schedule on March 28th against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Fans can follow Skenes’ progress and the Pirates’ season updates on the team’s official website, MLB.com/Pirates, and through official MLB channels.
