Baseball purists look the other way: the human element is slowly taking off the game.
Major League Baseball is implementing the automated challenge system of ball blows (ABS) for the first time this spring; It has been tested in the minor leagues since 2021.
Well, spring training games officially began on Thursday, since Chicago puppies visited the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Cactus League in Arizona, and it did not take long to enter the abdominals into force.
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An overview of the referees that collect a ball during the second entry between the Baltimore and the Detroit Tigers in Oriole Park in Camden Yards on April 22, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
In just his seventh launch, Chicago Cody Poteet launcher threw a quick 95 mph ball and entered Max Muncy, and originally called a ball.
The right-hander did not agree with the call and immediately hit his hat twice, which is considered the Red-Challenge fan for pitchers and batters when they want the call to receive a second look.
Indeed, Poteet instincts were correct, and the call was revoked, which made it a 0-2 count instead of 1-1.
Cody Poteet #38 of Chicago puppies exercises during spring training in Sloan Park on February 16, 2025 at Mesa, Arizona. (Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
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The entire test lasted 25 seconds, and the game was underway shortly after. The average ABS challenge in minors has taken 17 seconds, so this should not affect the game rhythm, which has increased significantly in the midst of changes in the rule of Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Manfred last year said that the 2026 season is a “viable option” for the system to be implemented full.
This spring, the teams will obtain two challenges by game, but can retain each challenge won. Only the batter, the pitcher or the receiver can challenge a call, and must be immediately after the call without help from the bank or other players.
The gardener of the New York Center of Yankees, Aaron Judge (99) and the manager Aaron Boone (17) discuss with the referee of Plate Ryan Blakney (36) in the seventh entry against the Detroit Tigers in the Yankee Stadium. (Wendell Cruz-USA Today Sports)
It is another great change in the sport commissioned by Manfred, who implemented a launch timer, larger bases and shift limits in 2023. However, fans seem to like the changes, as the assistance increased in each of the last two years.
