What are ABS challenge system rules for MLB playoffs?

The Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System, introduced for the 2026 MLB season, has received positive feedback from players, managers and fans alike. During the regular season, managers start with one challenge and gain a second one if they use it successfully. This system allows for immediate satisfaction as fans can see instantly whether a borderline pitch was a ball or a strike, while also giving managers more control over the umpires' decisions without feeling pressured to influence them.

For the MLB playoffs, the number of replay challenges available to each manager increases from one to two. However, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System remains unchanged from the regular season. Each team begins a game with two challenges, and any successful challenges are retained. In the event the game extends into extra innings, teams are granted an additional challenge if they have not exhausted their two allowed challenges at the start of an inning.

Despite these changes for the playoffs, the fundamental structure and rules of the ABS Challenge System remain consistent with those established during the regular season.