ABS system has technical issues in Brewers-Cubs game at Wrigley Field

Major League Baseball's new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System apparently is still working through some glitches.

Technological confusion reigned during the second inning of the Milwaukee Brewers-Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field on Monday, May 18.

In the bottom of the second inning, Brewers catcher William Contreras challenged a ball call on a pitch to Cubs designated hitter Michael Conforto from starting pitcher Brandon Sproat. Viewers on television saw the familiar ABS graphic confirming that the Brewers' challenge was successful. However, inside Wrigley Field, the ABS system appeared to freeze on the "MLB ABS" logo. Due to the in-stadium system malfunction, the pitch was ruled a ball and the Brewers retained their challenge.

ABS confirmed in #Brewers at #Cubs (Bot 2).
Milwaukee Brewers challenged the ball call on Brandon Sproat's pitch to Michael Conforto.
Ball confirmed.
HP: Derek Thomas | Upheld 76.3% (29/38).
Later: Michael Conforto strikes out swinging. pic.twitter.com/PtTX0ebIMa— ABS Auditor (@ABS_Auditor) May 19, 2026

Conforto struck out swinging and the Cubs went down 1-2-3 in a scoreless second inning, so the ABS technical glitch did not wind up costing the Brewers.

A solo home run in the top of the second inning by Christian Yelich — his second in as many days — gave Milwaukee an early 1-0 lead in the first game of a three-game set between the NL Central rivals.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brewers vs Cubs game at Wrigley Field has ABS system failure