The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs met on Thursday for the first matchup of Spring Training, with the visiting Cubs winning a lopsided affair.
However, the lopsided score took a backseat to player performances and the debut of Major League Baseball’s Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system. This new technology allows players to challenge a ball or strike call immediately after a pitch, marking a significant shift in how the game is officiated.
It didn’t take long for the ABS challenge system to be put to use, as in the bottom of the first inning, Cubs right-hander Cody Poteet asked for a review of his 0-1 pitch to Max Muncy. The original call of a ball was overturned, and the count became 1-1 rather than 2-0.
The determination was hasty, and can be made without opposition, as the tech is outfitted with precision accuracy. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that he was unsure of the ABS system in pregame, but after the game, he spoke positively of its usage.
“It was good,” Roberts said. “I think it’s actually a pretty good system. Obviously, trying to figure out how many challenges makes the most sense in a big league ballgame. Those guys certainly used it — I think two or three times today. I like it, because especially in a big spot, you want to get the call right.”
Muncy was on the negative end of the ABS challenge system, and it becomes a wrinkle to a game riddled with age-old tradition, with umpires being the extra element.
“It’s interesting,” Muncy said. “I don’t hate the idea of it. The technology, I think they’ll admit, is not entirely there yet, but it’s a cool idea. I like it. It’s cool, something that’s different.
“When that ball crossed, I thought it was a strike right away. I looked out there and he’s tapping his head, I’m like, ‘Well, I’m going to be the first one.’ I knew it was a strike. The idea of it is cool and it’s definitely interesting, but we’ll see how it progresses.”
How can the ABS challenge system change baseball
The ABS challenge system won’t be changing the overall framework of the game, but to what Roberts said, in a big spot, the call needs to be correct.
Umpires’ strike zones have always been subjective, often favoring pitchers or hitters based on personal tendencies. The ABS system could help standardize the strike zone, ensuring consistency across all games rather than relying on individual interpretations.
While tradition is deeply rooted in baseball, this technology may help bridge the gap between human error and accuracy in officiating
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