More
    HomeSportMLB All-Star game to feature automated strike zone technology for the first...

    MLB All-Star game to feature automated strike zone technology for the first time

    Published on

    spot_img


    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Minor league baseball players have had the opportunity to get familiar with the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. Major league players were introduced to it in spring training, but once the regular season began, home plate ruled on whether a pitch fell within the strike zone.

    The challenge system, which has sparked some controversy in the baseball world, will make its primetime debut at Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    View of the Automated Ball-Strike system challenge

    A view of a replay on the videoboard of an Automated Ball-Strike system challenge during a game between the Buffalo Bisons and the Worcester Red Sox on May 5, 2023, at Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts. (Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    The reaction in the days since the MLB confirmed the system would be utilized has been mixed. Those who hold baseball’s traditions dear have expressed frustration or even outrage. 

    Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan, however, took a more measured approach. 

    CAL RALEIGH VICTORIOUS IN 2025 HOME RUN DERBY, BECOMES 1ST CATCHER EVER TO WIN IN THRILLING FASHION

    “I think it’s a cool addition,” Kwan told Fox News Digital on Monday in Atlanta, the host city for this year’s Midsummer Classic. “I think (we) need some more experience with it. We only got to do it in spring training. It’s definitely some spring training when you’re in the (batters) box with it, but I think overall it’s a good addition.”

    Steven Kwan

    Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians during All-Star Workout Day at Truist Park on July 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

    During the All-Star game, the National League team and the American League club will each be allowed two challenges. If a challenge is used and upheld, the team will be able to retain it. A batter, pitcher or catcher can challenge a ball-strikes call. 

    However, if a player does want to issue a challenge, time is of the essence. Any challenge has to be presented immediately after a strike or a ball is called.

    All Star Game logo

    The All-Star Game logo at Truist Park during a game between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

    Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was among the high-profile players who chimed in on the ABS system.

    “Pitchers think everything is a strike,” the Pirates ace told reporters in Atlanta on Monday, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Then you go back and look at it, and it’s two, three balls off. So we should not be the ones that are challenging it. I really do like the human element of the game. I think this is one of those things that you kind of think umpires are great until they’re not.”

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Skenes appeared to take a nonchalant position on the matter, saying he “could kind of care less, either way, to be honest.”

    The ABS system is not expected to be involved in regular season games once the All-Star break ends. The MLB has not revealed any potential timetable for using the system in regular or postseason games, but testing it in the All-Star game appears to be a step toward it eventually becoming a part of the game.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.





    Source link

    Latest articles

    Man charged with killing Minnesota lawmaker plans to plead not guilty

    MINNEAPOLIS -- A Minnesota man plans to plead not guilty to charges he...

    I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) Review

    About midway through the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, survivor...

    Badenoch and Starmer clash over ‘modest income’ tax pledge

    Paul SeddonPolitical reporterHouse of CommonsKemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer have clashed over...

    Brent Rooker claps back at heckler who complained about him feeding baby

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Athletics' slugger Brent...

    More like this

    Man charged with killing Minnesota lawmaker plans to plead not guilty

    MINNEAPOLIS -- A Minnesota man plans to plead not guilty to charges he...

    I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) Review

    About midway through the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, survivor...

    Badenoch and Starmer clash over ‘modest income’ tax pledge

    Paul SeddonPolitical reporterHouse of CommonsKemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer have clashed over...