Baseball purists look away – the human element is slowly being taken out of the game.
Major League Baseball implements the automated ball-strike (ABS) Challenge System for the first time in the spring; It has been tested in the smaller leagues since 2021.
Well, spring training games officially started on Thursday when Chicago Cubs visited Los Angeles Dodgers in the Cactus League in Arizona – and it didn’t take long for ABS to take effect.
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A general view of an umpires hand that fetches a ball during the second round between Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 22, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
On just his seventh pitch, Chicago pitcher cody pawed a 95 mph Fastball low and into Max Muncy, and it was originally called a ball.
The right -handed disagreed with the call and immediately knocked on his hat twice, which is considered the red development fan for pitchers and fighters when they want the call to get another look.
Of course, the instincts of the paw were correct and the call was overturned, making it a 0-2 number instead of 1-1.
CODY POOTE #38 from Chicago Cubs coach during spring training in Sloan Park on February 16, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
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The whole test lasted 25 seconds and the game was running shortly after. The average ABS challenge in minors has taken 17 seconds, so this should not affect the pace of the game, which is significantly increased in the midst of commissioner Rob Manfred’s rule changes.
Manfred last year said the 2026 season is a “viable option” to have the system implemented full time.
In the spring, teams will face two challenges per year. Battle, but is able to preserve every challenge that has been won. Only the dough, pitcher or catcher can challenge a call, and it should be immediately after the call without the help of the bench or other players.
New York Yankees Center Fielder Aaron Judge (99) and Manager Aaron Boone (17) argues with the home plate Umpire Ryan Blakney (36) in the seventh round against Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium. (Wendell Cruz-usa Today Sports)
It is another major change in the sport ordered by Manfred, which implemented a pitch, larger bases and shift limits in 2023. However, fans appear to like the changes as participation rose in each of the last two years.
