World Series 2026: New Technology Puts Umpires Under the Microscope
One questionable strike call can change the course of a World Series game. This October, players have a new way to challenge those decisions, and television viewers will have more ways than ever to see what happened. When the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa…
Yordan Alvarez Crushes Record-Tying Grand Slam in Astros Win
Yordan Alvarez had been hitless in his last 16 at-bats entering Tuesday. He fixed that in the first inning with a sharp single, then settled any lingering concern in the fourth with one swing. With the bases loaded and Houston trailing 3-2 at Daikin…
The Astros Are Losing the Strike Zone
The Houston Astros are making history. It is not the kind anyone wanted. Through 50 games, Astros pitchers have issued more walks than any staff in the majors, averaging 4.92 per game and on pace for nearly 800 on the season. The MLB modern-era record is…
Astros Still Learning ABS Challenge System — Early Mistakes Already Costly
The automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system is new to MLB regular-season play in 2026, and the Houston Astros are learning it the hard way. Through their first four games against the Los Angeles Angels, the Astros went 0 for 5 on challenges, and in…
Winners and Losers: Who Benefits Most from MLB’s New ABS Challenge System
Major League Baseball’s automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system is set to debut this season, introducing a technological safety net to one of the sport’s most debated elements: the strike zone. For generations, balls and strikes have depended on the…
How MLB’s New ABS Challenge System Could Affect the Astros in 2026
For the first time in Major League history, the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System—ABS, powered by T-Mobile—is part of the regular season. It has already been used in every Spring Training game, and it will remain in place when Opening Night arrives.…
Yainer Diaz’s 2026 Challenge: Authority Behind the Plate
As Yainer Diaz settles into his role as Houston’s unquestioned No. 1 catcher, the conversation should move beyond tools and toward authority. The Astros already know what “El Matin” can do physically. He hit 20 home runs last season. He started 113 games…
7 Things to Watch as Astros Spring Training Gets Underway
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Houston Astros are back on the field, which means it’s time to start paying attention to more than just box scores. Spring training isn’t about wins and losses. It’s about roles, rhythm, and reading between the lines. With new…
Inside the Astros’ Plan for MLB’s New ABS Challenge System
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — José Altuve took the first pitch he saw from Hunter Brown during live batting practice Friday and immediately tapped his helmet, signaling a challenge under Major League Baseball’s new automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system.…
