MLB home plate umpires missing calls behind the dish is as frustrating an event as any for fans, players and managers to deal with. With that, having an automated balls and strikes (ABS) system in place makes it so that fewer games are swung by bad decisions.
But how does this new ABS system work? We’ve seen it in Spring Training before, but now that it’s set to be used in regular season action for the first time, let’s dive into everything you need to know.
How MLB’s new ABS system works
The vast majority of every game will be played the exact same way. There is still a home plate umpire standing behind the plate and calling every pitch a ball or a strike. What’s changed is the new ABS system, which can now be used to challenge calls the umpire makes. Here’s how that system works.
Who can challenge a call?
A hitter, pitcher or catcher can challenge any ball or strike call as long as the challenge attempt comes within a second or two of the original call. This is done by the player tapping his hat or helmet. From then, the home plate umpire will stop play and wait for the review to take place.
How does a challenge work?
The review will take place on the stadium’s Jumbotron and show the ball crossing the plate against a strike zone customized to fit the height of whichever hitter is at the plate. The replay will show whether the call on the field was correct or not, and the count will adjust accordingly.
How many challenges does each team get?
Each team gets two challenges per game. If the call made on the field stands, the team that requested a challenge will lose one of them. If the call made on the field is overturned, the team that requested a chal