SEATTLE — One of the biggest concerns entering the automated ball-strike system era was whether it would eliminate an advantage for teams that were the strongest at framing pitches.
At least in the early going, Austin Wells and the Yankees have essentially said: not so fast.
It is possible that over the course of the long season, as hitters get more comfortable challenging pitches and umpires get better at calling them accurately, Wells’ elite framing skills will become at least slightly less impactful.
But that has not been the case so far, as Wells has still made a habit of stealing strikes for his pitchers through the first four games while also successfully winning both of his ABS challenges, which came in key spots late in Saturday’s win over the Giants.