Yankees' Aaron Boone doesn't hide his thoughts on robot umpires
Share and Follow

NORTH PORT, Fla. — Just over a week into the automated ball-strike system (ABS) experiment, Aaron Boone is not a fan.

Next year, in the regular season, Major League Baseball will implement the ABS challenge system, which allows teams two challenges per game to review a ball or strike call. In the meantime, teams are testing out this system during Grapefruit and Cactus League play.

So far, Boone could very much live without it.

“Overall, taking a step back, big picture, I don’t love it,” Boone said Sunday before an 11-1 loss to the Braves at CoolToday Park.


Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he “didn’t love” the the prospect of MLB adopting the usage of an automated ball-strike system. N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg

Aaron Boone mentioned that he appreciates the drama that comes with the system. The reviews are displayed on the scoreboard, revealing whether a pitch actually hit the strike zone or not.

However, Boone has concerns about how the system might diminish the value of catcher framing, which is considered a strength of the Yankees. He also fears that it could lead to disagreements among players regarding who should get to use the challenges.

One potential tweak? Boone said he would be interested in teams getting one challenge each that they could use from the seventh inning on for big spots in a tight game.

But the current setup is not Boone’s cup of tea.

“Like [Saturday], when you’re just seeing it sporadically throughout the game, there’s eight, nine, 10 [challenges] — that feels weird to me,” Boone said.

“I know coming from me, it sounds funny, but I really think these guys have gotten so good back there as a whole,” added Boone, who has 39 career ejections. “I feel like they keep getting better and better that I don’t think I want anything to change.”


Clarke Schmidt said he felt “great” throwing one inning of live batting practice Saturday in his first action since being bothered by a “cranky” back last week.


Clarke Schmidt, pictured on Feb. 20, threw an inning of live batting practice Sunday for the Yankees.
Clarke Schmidt, pictured on Feb. 20, threw an inning of live batting practice Sunday for the Yankees. Charles Wenzelberg

“I felt great out there and had no issues today,’’ Schmidt said Sunday at Steinbrenner Field. “I feel like I’m back on track, which is a relief.”

Schmidt will likely throw another live batting practice early this week before getting into a spring training game.


After Sunday’s game, the Yankees reassigned catcher Ronaldo Hernández to minor league camp. … Max Fried will make his spring debut on Monday night against the Pirates at Steinbrenner Field.

— Additional reporting by Dan Martin in Tampa

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump threatens 'land strikes' on Latin American country

Trump’s Bold Proposal: Potential ‘Land Strikes’ on Latin America Sparks Global Debate

Donald Trump has issued a warning of potential ground strikes in Venezuela,…
Florida bill would require minors to get parental consent for STD testing

Proposed Florida Legislation Seeks Parental Consent for Minors’ STD Testing

In a significant legislative move, a new bill has been introduced in…
Suspect arrested, charged in disappearance of Philadelphia woman Kada Scott: police

Breaking News: Arrest Made in Mysterious Disappearance of Philadelphia’s Kada Scott

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities have arrested and charged a suspect with kidnapping related…
Charles Manson follower imprisoned in Hollywood killings gets major ruling from governor

Governor Issues Significant Ruling on Parole for Charles Manson Follower in Infamous Hollywood Murders

California Governor Gavin Newsom has overturned the parole board’s decision to grant…
Diane Keaton's cause of death revealed after star's passing at age 79

Cause of Diane Keaton’s Passing at 79 Unveiled

Diane Keaton’s cause of death has been disclosed shortly after her passing…
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 best dressed stars on red carpet

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025: Top Celebrity Red Carpet Looks That Stole the Spotlight

The pink carpet in New York was graced by an array of…
Los Angeles County declares emergency over federal immigration raids

Los Angeles County Responds to Federal Immigration Raids with Emergency Declaration

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has declared an emergency in…
Trump hails 'beautiful black women' strutting Chicago in MAGA hats

Trump Praises ‘Beautiful Black Women’ Showcasing MAGA Hats in Chicago

Donald Trump has expressed admiration for “beautiful black women” sporting MAGA hats…