MLB All-Star Game will use robo ump challenge system
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A national audience is about to learn all about the automatic balls and strikes (ABS) challenge system.

According to ESPN, MLB will introduce the ABS system in the upcoming All-Star Game on July 15 and there is a rising demand to incorporate this technology in future games.

Although MLB has used the ABS system in spring training and minor league games, the All-Star Game garners significantly more attention compared to regular season matchups.

Teams participating in the All-Star Game will be granted two challenges each, which they can retain if the challenge results in a successful overturn. Additionally, only pitchers, catchers, and batters are allowed to contest the calls based on the report.

The hitter reportedly has to hit his helmet or hat to indicate he would like to challenge the call, and then an animated replay will be shown on the scoreboard for the umpire to review for a ruling.

ABS relies on Hawk-Eye system technology, per ESPN.

The need for a better-defined strike zone has been increasing in recent years fans as players, managers, executives and fans alike have grown tired of bad calls affecting games.

This past Sunday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza erupted and earned the boot after contesting a pair of pitches that went against catcher Luis Torrens in the ninth inning of the 6-4 loss to the Yankees.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last month he plans to submit a proposal to the 11-person competition committee this summer to decide on whether to implement ABS for the 2026 system.

“I think that teams are really positive about ABS,” Manfred said, per The Athletic. “You know, I do have that unscientific system that I use — my email traffic — and my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain about balls and strike calls via email, to me, referencing the need for ABS. That is undoubtedly true, undoubtedly true.”

Players reportedly prefer a challenge system compared to a fully automated strike zone, while fans overwhelmingly approve of the ABS system.

MLB officials relayed to ESPN that 72 percent of fans said ABS had a “positive” effect on their experience and 69 percent would like it to be implemented going forward.

Only 10 percent had negatives view of the system.

This year’s All-Star Game will be played at Truist Park in Atlanta.

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