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Fox News
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Controversial Automated Ball-Strike system is a 'good addition,' but needs development, MLB All-Star says
ATLANTA – Minor league baseball players have had the opportunity to get familiar with the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. Major league players were introduced to it in spring training, but once the regular season began, home plate ruled on whether a pitch fell within the strike zone. The challenge system, which has sparked some controversy in the baseball world, will make its primetime debut at Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game. The reaction in the days since the MLB confirmed the system would be utilized has been mixed. Those who hold baseball's traditions dear have expressed frustration or even outrage. Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan, however, took a more measured approach. "I think it's a cool addition," Kwan told Fox News Digital on Monday in Atlanta, the host city for this year's Midsummer Classic. "I think (we) need some more experience with it. We only got to do it in spring training. It's definitely some spring training when you're in the (batters) box with it, but I think overall it's a good addition." During the All-Star game, the National League team and the American League club will each be allowed two challenges. If a challenge is used and upheld, the team will be able to retain it. A batter, pitcher or catcher can challenge a ball-strikes call. However, if a player does want to issue a challenge, time is of the essence. Any challenge has to be presented immediately after a strike or a ball is called. Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was among the high-profile players who chimed in on the ABS system. "Pitchers think everything is a strike," the Pirates ace told reporters in Atlanta on Monday. "Then you go back and look at it, and it's two, three balls off. So we should not be the ones that are challenging it. I really do like the human element of the game. I think this is one of those things that you kind of think umpires are great until they're not." Skenes appeared to take a nonchalant position on the matter, saying he "could kind of care less, either way, to be honest." The ABS system is not expected to be involved in regular season games once the All-Star break ends. The MLB has not revealed any potential timetable for using the system in regular or postseason games, but testing it in the All-Star game appears to be a step toward it eventually becoming a part of the game. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
New York Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
MLB to use Automated Ball-Strike system during All-Star game: Sources
The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system that MLB rolled out during spring training and has been used in the minor leagues will be getting primetime treatment, as the ABS system will be used at the MLB All-Star Game for the first time, league sources told The Athletic. The All-Star Game is next Tuesday in Atlanta. Advertisement As was the case in spring training, teams will be given two challenges, with retention if their challenge is upheld. Pitchers, catchers and hitters can challenge ball-strike calls. Challenges must be made immediately after a ball or strike call is made. MLB hasn't announced a timeframe for when the ABS system might be used in regular-season games, but this could be another step towards making that a reality. The system has been used at the Triple-A level since midway through the 2024 season, and major leaguers got the opportunity to test it out this spring, where walks were up slightly and strikeouts were down slightly. Not surprisingly, run scoring was up slightly, as well. The Athletic's Jayson Stark spoke with players about their experience with the ABS system this spring and got a variety of responses. Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto told Stark he had mixed feelings about the system. 'I like it as a hitter,' Realmuto said. 'I don't really like it as a catcher as much, just because I think it takes part of the game away, part of the catcher position. Framing is still going to matter, but it's not going to be as big of a deal. So that part I don't like. But as a hitter, I do like having the consistent strike zone.' Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers told Stark he felt the strike zone was smaller. So, what is the ABS strike zone exactly? As it turns out, it plays a little differently than the traditional human strike zone. The All-Star Game hasn't traditionally been filled with much controversy, especially when it comes to balls and strikes, so it remains to be seen how much players will call on the ABS system to challenge calls during the game itself. But it could give fans a preview of what everyday MLB games will be like in the near future.
