Actual robot umps? That’s probably a thing of the way future.
But there’s something that Major League Baseball tested out during the 2023 Futures Game that could be coming down the road sometime sooner: Using robot strike calls for challenges.
It’s known as ABS: Automatic ball-strike system, and when a player wanted to challenge a ball or strike call on Saturday night, there was a replay at T-Mobile Park, much like we see in tennis on a challenged in or out call.
It showed a virtual strike zone, and if the ball touched it, that would be a strike.
MLB fans rightfully loved it:
So cool!
The NL Futures Game team challenged two strike three calls in one inning and both were just barely unsuccessful pic.twitter.com/waPDfMppMI
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 9, 2023
Automated Balls and Strike challenge system is being used here at the Futures Game. Batter challenged a high strike. It took a couple seconds and he was denied. End of inning. That's likely coming to the majors in the near-ish future.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 9, 2023
The manager/player interactions around a ball/strike challenge system in the big leagues would be absolutely incredible.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) July 8, 2023
The ABS challenge system is a 10.
Malloy took a called strike then tapped helmet to challenge. Scoreboard showed ball come in low for ball four and he got to walk to first. Fans went nuts as they can see the pitch location on the board. Sign me up.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) July 8, 2023
Look how easy this is.
An overturned strike call in the Futures Game thanks to ABS. It takes a few seconds.
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) July 9, 2023
A look at a successful ABS challenge from today's Futures Game.
Seamless, easy, correct. pic.twitter.com/cU7XpKvSmK
— Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) July 8, 2023
I need it https://t.co/BQUneeAlf3
— Yordongs All Day (@davinm94) July 9, 2023
I think this should be in the MLB tomorrow https://t.co/n4o5rWYoVt
— Ethan Rocker (@ethanrocker12) July 9, 2023
I am so ready for this feature — the way they play it on the scoreboard is so dramatic! https://t.co/rHYl3eO1um
— Dayv Doberne ⚾ (@Sunyveil_Sports) July 9, 2023
Love this challenge system, quick / resolves the call immediately https://t.co/aL9HrC1uZ1
— Ray (@rloyola) July 9, 2023
