While MLB showcases its best players at the All-Star Game next week, a rising star will get a chance to shine on the big stage: the automated ball-strike challenge system, which was used throughout spring training and could hit the majors as soon as next year.
A batter, pitcher, or catcher can initiate a challenge immediately after the pitch by tapping their helmet or cap. Similar to the replay challenge system introduced in 2014, each team starts the game with a set number of challenges and is able to retain a challenge when using one successfully.
ABS has been used at various levels in the minor leagues as both a challenge system and full-time “robot ump” since 2019.