MLB Testing Automated Check-Swing Challenge System in Arizona Fall League

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanOctober 23, 2024

It’ll be a while before we see this at the highest level, but MLB is testing an automated check-swing challenge system during Arizona Fall League play. The first use of the new system took place Tuesday at Salt River Fields, with Mets prospect Drew Gilbert and Yankees prospect Garrett Martin successfully getting swing calls overturned.

Gilbert became the first guinea pig when he checked on a 3-1 pitch and started to remove his gear before third base ump Darius Ghani ruled it a swing. Gilbert immediately tapped his helmet to initiate a review and, as you can see below, the video board displayed evidence that he had drawn a walk. Between this and the automated ball-strike (ABS) system, which operates in a very similar manner, we’re removing a lot more human error from the game.

Many will understandably lament the loss of the human element as well, but the game isn’t being played by automatons. My view has always been that advanced technology should be used to make correct calls whenever possible. Despite what seems to be the case when we look at anecdotal evidence, umpires get it right almost all the time. Those times when they get it wrong, however, can mean the difference in a game’s outcome, so why not make sure they aren’t solely responsible?

This isn’t about having computers determine every call in every game, it’s just having a backup in case an umpire makes a mistake. Think of it like having blind-spot lights on your side view mirrors or warnings against lane departures or potential collisions. Now that I say that, I’m sure there are more than a few drivers who see those safety measures as infringing on their rights or some such thing.

Computers don’t care who wins or who’s right in a given situation, it’s just a matter of yes or no. It actually takes a lot of heat off the umpires and could even curb most arguments that arise due to the game’s otherwise subjective adjudication. I dig it, when can we get this in the majors?

Update: I haven’t changed my mind about the ability to challenge check swings, but they definitely need to tighten up the benchmark. As you can see from the featured image and the video, that white line running parallel to the baseline is considered the threshold for a swing. So, yeah, the bat could not only break the plane of the plate, but the opposite batter’s box as well.

This is where we need an adjustment in the rules to clearly define a strike, especially since we can now get a bird’s eye view of the event. The video below is from the second challenge mentioned above and it was ruled the batter didn’t swing. Can’t say I agree with that.

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanOctober 23, 2024
Back to top button