ATLANTA — The automated strike zone system debuted in a Major League Baseball All-Star Game Tuesday, exhibiting its effectiveness and aiming to dispel any reservations about its value to the sport.
Four challenges occurred, with the system operating smoothly and efficiently.
The system saw action early, too. Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal encountered difficulty in the first inning’s latter half, allowing two runs with a runner on second base. An 0-2 pitch to Manny Machado grazed the lower boundary of the strike zone but was ruled a ball by umpire Dan Iassogna. American League catcher Cal Raleigh promptly signaled for a challenge.
Upon Raleigh’s signal, a visual display of the pitch’s trajectory across the strike zone appeared on the scoreboard, indicating it was indeed a strike. The call was reversed, and Machado was called out on strikes. This added a brief pause to the game, maybe 15 seconds at most.
The second instance happened in the fifth inning when Athletics infielder Jacob Wilson contested a strike call deemed below the zone. It was overturned to a ball. The difference between an 0-2 count and a 1-1 count for a hitter is huge.
In the eighth inning, Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers believed his called strike three should have been a ball. He signaled for a review, and the review confirmed the original call was correct. Only a small amount of time was added.
Lastly, in the ninth inning with the score tied, Edwin Díaz challenged a called ball, which was overturned, resulting in strike three and ending the inning. Here’s an example of the review process in video form.
One of the criticisms against the system that feels unfounded is, “So players will stand around while a video determines whether an inning ends?”
Yes. It was not a big deal.
In total, there were four challenges of different kinds, illustrating the strategy involved in challenging balls and strikes, along with the system’s speed.
The phrase “robot umps” has a negative overtone when it comes to the ABS system.
The Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system allows hitters, pitchers, or catchers to dispute ball and strike calls. The minor leagues have used this system for years with limited challenges. Major League Baseball tested it in spring training, and it is anticipated to be implemented next season (commissioner Rob Manfred plans to propose it for 2026).
That’s good.
The system is often misunderstood by people who assume every call will be made by a machine, and who prefer the “human element” and not to review every decision.
The challenges are limited to two per team per game, and there is a human umpire behind the plate.
Next to errors, the scoreboard listed each team’s remaining challenges.
Unlike replay reviews for out/safe calls that can take a full minute, this doesn’t require a manager consulting with a video analyst before relaying a challenge to umpires who then consult with other umpires watching screens. Parties involved make calls immediately, like Raleigh, Stowers, and Díaz. There is a pause, but it is brief and infrequent.
Players often emphasize the importance of the human element in baseball when asked about ABS. This system preserves it by offering a way to correct a few incorrect calls per game.
Mistakes get resolved with ease. Hall of Fame catcher Joe Mauer supports the system.
“Umpires are human and make mistakes like us, but they try to make the right call,” Mauer told CBS Sports last month. “If the system can be implemented efficiently to make the game better, I support it.”
Umpires don’t want incorrect calls impacting the game, because people only notice the bad calls. They want every call correct, and ABS offers a backup for mistakes.
Watch the Díaz pitch again. It barely touched the strike zone and was a 99.1 mph fastball. It is unreasonable to expect an umpire to make that call correctly every time. This pitch shows how ABS can be useful in important games.
“I thought it was great,” said National League manager Dave Roberts after the game. “Dan got most of the calls right, but a couple were overturned. The fans enjoy it, and the players had fun with it. There’s a strategy to it that will get to us during the season. I like it. I think it’s good for the game. I’m okay with it.”
The All-Star Game proved how ABS is. It will be useful when it’s fully implemented in MLB.
