NEW YORK — Catchers were far more successful than batters through Major League Baseball’s first full week of challenges to robot umpires, led by the Detroit Tigers and David Dingler.The overall success rate in the Automated Ball-Strike System was 55.2% (299 of 542), with fielding teams winning 59.7% of challenges (175 of 293), including 60.4% by catchers (169 of 280). “I like it a little more. I was pretty staunch against it, which I still may be to some degree,” New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.There were just 13 challenges by pitchers, who won six. Batters were successful on 49.8% (124 of 249).“I think it’s fun. It’s its own game inside the game, almost,” Tampa Bay catcher Hunter Feduccia said.Success rate was up from 49.5% last year at Triple-A, where defense won 53.7% and batters 49.5%Detroit won the highest percentage of calls at 75% (15 of 20) while Arizona was at 71%, and Baltimore and Cincinnati both 67%.Minnesota called for the most challenges with 32, winning 20 for a 63% success rate. Texas had the fewest, winning 4 of 10.Cleveland was the least successful at 32%, with Washington at 38% and St. Louis and Texas at 40%Detroit catchers were 8-0, with seven wins by Dingler. ABS’ impact could be seen when Atlanta played at Arizona last Thursday. The Braves were ahead 2-1 when the Diamondbacks’ Ryne Nelson threw a 3-2 curveball on the upper, outside corner to Ozzie Albies that was called a …
