- Clutch ABS challenges come from attempts with the go-ahead or tying run either at the plate, on base, or on deck in the seventh inning or later.
- Ryan Jeffers has been the most clutch challenger this season, successfully challenging three of his four attempts in clutch situations.
- Nolan Schanuel is by far the worst ABS challenger in clutch situations, successfully challenging just one of seven attempts in the seventh inning or later with wins on the line.
MINNEAPOLIS – The newly-implemented MLB ABS challenge system can completely change who wins or loses a game. Understanding which players are good or bad at using the system can impact live betting.
We measure “clutch” challenges as those used in the seventh inning or later with the go-ahead or tying run at the plate, on base, or on deck. This is where the biggest swing for legal sports betting odds can occur with a win or loss.
Who Are The Best MLB ABS Challengers In The Clutch?
Ryan Jeffers, Gabriel Moreno, and Lawrence Butler each have three successful challenges in these clutch situations, but Jeffers boasts the highest success rate at 75%. An added bonus for Jeffers is the fact that he doesn’t waste challenges early, instead using all four challenges in the late stages of the game.
| Player | Of Pitches Overturned in Clutch | Pitch Challenge Success % |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Jeffers | 3 | 75% |
| Gabriel Moreno | 3 | 60% |
| Lawrence Butler | 3 | 60% |
Clutch ABS Challenge Honorable Mention: Rob Refsnyder
Seattle Mariners’ outfielder Rob Refsnyder only has one challenge this season, but it holds true as the most clutch challenge of the season. Refsnyder successfully challenged a called third strike in the ninth inning, then went on to hit a go-ahead solo home run later in the at-bat. Refsnyder’s clutch blast as a pinch-hitter wouldn’t have been possible without the successful ABS challenge, leading to a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners as -130 odds favorites with 70% of the bets on the line.
Who Are The Worst MLB ABS Challengers In The Clutch?
When placed in these high-leverage scenarios, no player is worse at utilizing the ABS challenge system than Nolan Schanuel. The Los Angeles Angels’ first baseman is 1/7 on challenges in the 7th inning or later with the go-ahead or tying run at the plate, on base, or on deck.
| Player | # Of Pitches Confirmed in Clutch | Pitch Challenge Success % |
|---|---|---|
| Nolan Schanuel | 6 | 14.3% |
| Taylor Ward | 3 | 25% |
| Chase Meidroth | 3 | 25% |
| Kody Clemens | 3 | 25% |
Taylor Ward, Chase Meidroth, and Kody Clemens are all tied for second when it comes to unsuccessful challenges in clutch situations. These batters have the greatest negative impact at legal MLB betting sites when it matters most.
