"Adding the robot umps is likely to cut down on ejections. Human plate umpires will still call balls and strikes, but teams can challenge two calls per game and get additional appeals in extra innings. Challenges must be made by a pitcher, catcher or batter signaled by tapping their helmet or cap and a team retains its challenge if successful. Reviews will be shown as digital graphics on outfield videoboards."
"MLB said 61.5% of ejections among players, managers and coaches last year were related to balls and strikes, as were 60.3% this season through Sunday. The figures include ejections for derogatory comments, throwing equipment while protesting calls and inappropriate conduct. Big league umpires call roughly 94% of pitches correctly, according to UmpScorecards. Throughout this process we have worked on deploying the system in a way that's acceptable to players, Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement."
Major League Baseball's 11-man competition committee approved deployment of the Automated Ball/Strike System (ABS) in the major leagues for 2026. Human plate umpires will continue to call balls and strikes, while teams may challenge two calls per game with additional appeals available in extra innings. Challenges must be signaled by a pitcher, catcher, or batter tapping their helmet or cap, and successful challenges preserve the team's remaining challenge. Reviews will display as digital graphics on outfield videoboards. ABS uses Hawk-Eye cameras and has been tested in various minor-league levels and independent leagues since 2019. The change is expected to reduce ejections related to ball-and-strike disputes.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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