Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Dodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
    • 2026 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Dodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
    • 2026 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
    • 2026 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Rumors > MLB Rumors: Automated Strike Zone, Players Sitting In Stands Among Proposed Changes With Beginning MLB Season In Arizona
Rumors

MLB Rumors: Automated Strike Zone, Players Sitting In Stands Among Proposed Changes With Beginning MLB Season In Arizona

Matthew Moreno
April 7, 2020
3 Min Read
Dodgers Vs. Rockies Live Video Stream
Matthew Moreno/DodgerBlue.com
SHARE

As Major League Baseball continues to take cues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials on how to best navigate the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, one plan that has taken center stage is playing games in Arizona.

An initial report indicated MLB was mulling over using Spring Training facilities in Arizona and Florida, but The Grand Canyon State now appears to have an edge. The bulk of complexes — in addition Chase Field — being more centralized than those in Florida are a key factor in what figures to be a complex scenario.

Having secured early support from the CDC and National Institute of Health, MLB is said to be eyeing a possible start during May. The league previously ruled out resuming activities before May 10, which is the date the CDC suggested gatherings of 50 or more people tentatively not be held until.

Beyond shifting from playing games in MLB stadiums to select Spring Training facilities, other changes would potentially include implementing an automated strike zone, having players sit in the stands while adhering to physical distance guidelines, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan:

• Implementing an electronic strike zone to allow the home-plate umpire to maintain sufficient distance from the catcher and batter

• No mound visits from the catcher or pitching coach

• Seven-inning doubleheaders, which, with an earlier-than-expected start date, could allow baseball to come closer to a full 162-game season

• Regular use of on-field microphones by players, as an added bonus for TV viewers

• Sitting in the empty stands 6 feet apart – the recommended social-distancing space – instead of in a dugout

Well before the current climate, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred argued an automated system for balls and strikes was ‘more accurate’ than a human umpire. He additionally clarified the perception and jargon of that meaning a ‘robot umpire’ would be behind the plate.

Though MLB has an early foundation toward beginning its 2020 season, plenty of hurdles remain. Beyond health concerns, there also is the question of playing outdoors under a blistering Arizona sun during summer months, among other issues.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Automated Strike ZoneCamelback RanchCoronavirusLos Angeles DodgersMLB
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Walker Buehler, Jason Heyward, James Outman
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: James Outman Named National League Rookie Of The Month For April 2023

May 3, 2023
May 3, 2023
Preview: Julio Urias Faces Giants In Front Of National Audience On Espn Sunday Night Baseball
Game Central

Preview: Julio Urias Faces Giants In Front Of National Audience On ESPN Sunday Night Baseball

June 12, 2016
June 12, 2016
Will Smith, Mike Yastrzemski
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Surprised By Giants Turning NL West Into 3-Team Race

June 21, 2021
February 14, 2023
Dodgers News: Yaisel Sierra Scheduled For Professional Debut
Dodgers Minor LeaguesDodgers News

Dodgers Minor League Preview: Tulsa Drillers 2017 Opening Day Roster Features Power Hitting, Strong Relief Pitchers

April 6, 2017
April 6, 2017

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어