Astros’ Jose Altuve lands on cruel side of MLB history vs. Athletics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The new ABS challenge system has already played a pivotal role in a myriad of games to begin the 2026 MLB season.
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For the Houston Astros‘ 9-time All-Star Jose Altuve, one of his first experiences with the system ended in historic, but demoralizing fashion against the Athletics on Friday.
Altuve stepped to the plate opposite the A’s Jeffrey Springs with two outs in the top of the 3rd inning, with a runner on third base. After pushing the at-bat to a full count, Springs’ payoff pitch landed low and inside for ball four and a free base for Altuve.
However, a swift challenge from the Athletics’ star catcher Shea Langeliers led to an overturned call, setting Houston’s 2017 AL MVP down on strikes to end the half-inning on the closest pitch ever confirmed as a strike by ABS.
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According to ABS Daily Summary on X, Springs’ 3-2 delivery caught 0.00323 in. of the zone, establishing a new record for the closest ABS challenge to date.
In just a few seconds, runners on the corners for Carlos Correa turned into one of Springs’ seven strikeouts of the day and a squandered opportunity. Altuve was given a clear example of how cruel the new system can be, and the Athletics eventually claimed victory in an 11-4 rout.
Aside from this rough moment, the 35-year-old second baseman has enjoyed a sensational opening to his 16th campaign, registering a 1.071 OPS and clubbing two home runs in his first nine games.
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