Robot umpire test for checked swing calls moving to Triple-A

"MLB's Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System, the so-called robot umpire, launches when the season starts March 25 following tests that started in the minors in 2019. A batter, catcher or pitcher can appeal a ball/strike call by the human umpire under a system in which each team has two challenges and keeps its challenge if successful."

"An experiment began last May 20 in the Class A Florida State League allowing challenges to checked swing calls, and the test was extended to the Arizona Fall League. Starting on May 5, the checked swing test will take expand to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in additional to the FSL."

"MLB will also test moving second base slightly to position it entirely within the infield, which would reduce by 9 inches the distance between first and second, and between second and third, according to a memorandum sent to teams last week."

MLB is advancing its robot umpire technology system, known as the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System, which launches March 25 after years of minor league testing. The system allows batters, catchers, or pitchers to challenge ball/strike calls, with each team receiving two challenges that are retained if successful. MLB is expanding a checked swing challenge test from Class A to Triple-A starting May 5. Additional experiments include moving second base 9 inches closer to reduce distances between bases, reducing pitcher disengagements from two to one per plate appearance, implementing stricter batter timeout limits, and adjusting pitch clock resets for PitchCom issues. Triple-A will also test allowing starting pitchers to re-enter games to improve player development and health management.

Read at ESPN.com