MLB is preparing the automated ball-strike system, or ABS, for "its biggest test yet this spring training." The upcoming spring experiment "will employ the 'challenge' system," in which human umpires "will still make the vast majority of calls themselves." Each team "will start a game with two challenges it can issue to an umpire, who will then rely on the automated ball-strike system to review the pitch." More than 60% of spring games will feature ABS, with the D-backs set to use it 29 times -- the most in the league -- and the Cubs set for the fewest chances at seven. The average team in the Cactus League "will have 21 games featuring the automated zone, with half of its 10 ballparks expected to feature the system." The average Grapefruit League team "will play 19 games with an automated zone, with the system available in eight of 13 parks." MLB and the umpires worked out a five-year CBA in December "that allowed the league the right to implement ABS" (THE ATHLETIC, 1/24).
More details emerge on MLB's robot ump plans
