Yankees' Chazz Jizzums Banned From ABS Challenges After Historic 1-for-67 Start

BRONX - The New York Yankees are making an unprecedented in-season adjustment after second baseman Chazz Jizzums was formally banned from issuing ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenges for the remainder of the 2026 season, league sources confirmed early Saturday morning.

Jizzums, who opened the year with a staggering 1-for-67 success rate on challenges, had become a nightly subplot across the league—frequently halting games to contest pitches that, more often than not, weren’t particularly close. Multiple opposing broadcasts began tracking his attempts in real time, while internal frustration reportedly grew within the Yankees clubhouse.

According to league officials, the decision was made “in the interest of pace of play and competitive integrity,” with one source noting that Jizzums’ challenge behavior had “crossed from aggressive into unsustainable.” The move marks the first known instance of a player being individually restricted from using the ABS system, which is an MLB record, per Statfax.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the situation following the team’s win Friday night, striking a measured tone while acknowledging the need for intervention.

“We support the league on this,” Boone said. “At some point it stops being strategy and starts being… whatever that was. We’ve had conversations with Chazz. He’s a competitor, and competitors adjust.”

The moment reportedly took a surreal turn when Jizzums, upon hearing of the ban, attempted to challenge the ruling itself—only to be informed by league officials that ABS cannot be used to overturn disciplinary decisions. Teammates described the exchange as “on brand.”

Jizzums Reacts

Jizzums spoke briefly with reporters outside the clubhouse, expressing both frustration and confusion with the ruling while offering his own explanation for the early-season struggles.

“I just think the system’s different depending on the environment,” Jizzums said. “If we were playing in Cancun, with the humidity, the lighting, the dome—this wouldn’t even be an issue. I see those pitches better down there. Everyone does.”

He added that he plans to “keep working” and insisted his approach won’t change, even without access to challenges.

“I still know the zone. I just can’t prove it anymore.”

Teammates Sound Off

Inside the clubhouse, reactions ranged from disbelief to reluctant optimism. Yankees captain Arson Judge didn’t hide his disappointment, but made it clear he’s not betting against his teammate.

“Look, it’s tough to watch,” Judge said. “We’ve all been there, but maybe not… like that. Still, if there’s anyone who can survive this and come back stronger—really explode all over the league’s face—it’s Chazz. He’s wired different.”

Shortstop Anthony Volpe echoed that sentiment, while acknowledging the daily grind Jizzums created for the infield.

“You’d hear ‘challenge’ and just kind of brace yourself,” Volpe said. “But we’ve got his back. He’s going to adjust. And when he does, it’s going to be loud.”

Yankees Implement New Plan

In response to the ban, the Yankees have already begun implementing what team staffers are calling a “strike zone reset program” designed to help Jizzums recalibrate his pitch recognition without relying on technology.

Sources say the plan includes daily cage sessions with randomized pitch tracking, extended video review with minor league umpires, and a new drill in which Jizzums must verbally call ball or strike before each pitch reaches the plate—without any ability to challenge the result.

The team is also reportedly exploring simulated game environments designed to replicate high-leverage at-bats, with the goal of rebuilding Jizzums’ confidence in real time.

What Comes Next

While the ban removes one of Jizzums’ most visible tendencies, it also places a spotlight on his ability to adjust at the plate—and on the Yankees’ ability to support him through it.

For now, Jizzums remains in the lineup, still tracking pitches, still reacting, just without the safety net he leaned on for the first month of the season.

And if his teammates are to be believed, the story isn’t over.

It might just be getting started.