Major League Baseball (MLB) to Utilize ABS Challenge System During 2025 All-Star Game
Updated July 9, 2025, 3:48 p.m. ET
Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced that it will implement the automated ball-strike (ABS) system during the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. This announcement is expected to be officially made on Thursday.
What is the Automated Ball-Strike System? ph casino online 1 vipph
The automated ball-strike system has already been utilized during spring training and in the minor leagues. This system allows teams to challenge a specific pitch call, and the ABS determines whether the pitch was a strike based on its position within the designated strike zone. Fans at the ballpark will see an animation on the screen showing whether the pitch was a strike.
Umpires will still be present on the field during the game. MLB employs Hawk-Eye technology for the ABS system, which is also being utilized by the NFL for determining ball placements.
Challenge Rules for the All-Star Game
During the All-Star Game, both the American League and National League teams will be allowed two challenges each 10 jili.com.ph. Only the pitcher, hitter, or catcher can request an ABS challenge. The discussion regarding the potential full-time implementation of this system has been a hot topic within the sport.
In spring training, teams successfully won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges, with 617 out of 1,182 challenges deemed successful across 288 exhibition games that featured the ABS. The system was installed at 13 spring training venues hosting 19 teams, and video boards displayed the pitch animations to inform spectators of the challenge results.
Commissioner Rob Manfred on the ABS System
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned last month that the ABS system is likely to be reviewed by the 11-man competition committee, which comprises six management representatives. He stated, “I do think that we’re going to pursue the possibility of change in that process, and we’ll see what comes out at the end of that.” Manfred added that teams are optimistic about ABS and noted an increase in email feedback from fans regarding ball and strike calls during spring training, which highlighted the need for the system.
Statistical Insights
During the 2024 regular season, MLB’s Statcast revealed that 10.9% of pitches called in the strike zone were ruled as balls, while 6. spinph.net apk3% of pitches called outside the zone were ruled as strikes. MLB has been experimenting with the ABS system in the minor leagues since 2019 phdream3.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th, at Truist Park (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app), the home field of the Atlanta Braves. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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