Weird & Wild stats and facts from MLB’s return. Plus, ranking ABS challenges

Key Points:

• The 2026 MLB season has introduced significant changes, including the use of Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) systems, leading to unusual game events such as multiple challenges early in innings and new types of pitcher and batter interactions.
• Managerial ejections related to ABS challenges have already occurred, with Twins manager Derek Shelton becoming the first to be ejected over a challenge dispute, signaling that traditional baseball tensions persist despite technological changes.
• Several players and teams have experienced surprising statistical shifts compared to previous seasons, such as Joey Wiemer's exceptional on-base streak, Aaron Judge's rare strikeout streak followed by home runs, and the Mariners' unprecedented start without hitting a single.
• Historic and rare feats have been observed early in the season, including two players homering in the first three games of the season (DeLauter and Murakami), a team scoring 14 runs in a single inning on Opening Day for the first time since 1890, and pitchers achieving strikeout records in new contexts.
• Overall, the 2026 MLB season is marked by unpredictability and novelty, blending traditional baseball excitement with new technological influences, creating a "Weird and Wild" atmosphere embraced by fans and analysts alike.