The automated ball-strike (ABS) system is officially part of baseball's fabric, and after one month, the early verdict is in: players, fans, and media largely agree it's a welcome upgrade—one that adds a fresh strategic layer to the game. So, how have the Philadelphia Phillies navigated this new challenge system? Let's break down the numbers.

As a team, the Phillies have been surprisingly restrained with their ABS challenges. Entering play Monday, they've issued just 59 challenges, ranking 25th in the league. Their success rate? A modest 51%, placing them 21st in accuracy. For context, the Minnesota Twins lead the majors with 97 challenges but are only correct 54% of the time (13th). Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been the sharpest, nailing 64% of their challenges despite ranking 28th in total attempts.

On the individual side, catcher J.T. Realmuto has been a standout. Despite just returning from the injured list, he's challenged seven pitches and been correct six times—an impressive 86% success rate that ties him for fifth-best among catchers with at least five challenges. However, the Phillies' other backstops haven't fared as well. Garrett Stubbs has only two challenges (one right, one wrong), while Rafael Marchán has been busier, challenging 16 pitches in 16 games. His 50% win rate ties him for the ninth-worst mark among catchers with at least 15 challenges.

One intriguing early trend: most teams are keeping pitchers away from the challenge button, worried about emotion or poor sightlines. But the Phillies are bucking that trend, allowing their hurlers to get involved—a move that could either pay off or backfire as the season unfolds.