Dodgers struggling with new ABS challenge system during spring training

PHOENIX –– Finally, the Dodgers have found something they don’t excel at.In fact, to this point of spring training, they’ve been significantly worse at it than every other team.This year, Major League Baseball is introducing an automated ball-strike challenge system (ABS) into regular-season play.And so far, during a trial run in Cactus League exhibition games, the Dodgers have flat-out stunk when trying to appeal pitches.Overall, the team won just five of the 27 pitch calls they’d challenged entering play Saturday.

Among hitters, their 15% success rate (2 for 11) is six points worse than any other team.Among pitchers and catchers, their 21% success rate (3 for 11) isn’t even half as good as the next closest club.While the Dodgers have downplayed their concern over the early numbers, manager Dave Roberts said they are “going to do an organization forum on Tuesday to get our guys, our hitting coaches, our players to talk about some things, maybe some strategies.”Roberts also acknowledged that, while many of the Dodgers’ failed challenges have been “borderline” misses, the team’s “idea of the strike zone individually, collectively just hasn’t been great.”“I honestly don’t know the answer right now,” Roberts added, when asked about the root cause of such pronounced struggles.With Opening Day less than two weeks away, the team will have to find some better answers quickly.Granted, the Dodgers have approached the ABS system with a more exploratory mindset in camp.

Strategy has not been a priority.Getting calibrated to the exact dimensions of the zone has.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story “Even if we’re wrong, we need to use it just to figure out the tops and bottoms of the zone,” first baseman Freddie Freeman said...