The era of the robot umpires is not quite upon the sport of baseball, but for the first time MLB is experimenting with an automated system for calling balls and strikes.
The "automated ball-strike challenge system" or ABS will be active during 60% of spring training games this year, allowing pitchers, catchers and batters to call for automated ball-strike call reviews. Each team has two challenges available per game, and loses one when they they are incorrect in asking for a review that ultimately stands.
