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MLB Trials Automated System: Cubs' Poteet Wins First Challenge!

2/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Major League Baseball (MLB) is shaking things up this Spring Training by testing the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), which empowers players to challenge umpire calls. Chicago Cubs pitcher Cody Poteet made history as the first to win a challenge. With each team granted two challenges per game, ABS could revolutionize the game by 2026.

History

Historical Context

MLB's introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) echoes past innovations like the 2019 pitch clock. Just as the pitch clock aimed to speed up games, ABS empowers players to challenge calls, potentially transforming baseball by 2026—much like the game's evolution since the first televised World Series in 1947.

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Story summary

Major League Baseball (MLB) is shaking things up this Spring Training by testing the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), which empowers players to challenge umpire calls. Chicago Cubs pitcher Cody Poteet made history as the first to win a challenge. With each team granted two challenges per game, ABS could revolutionize the game by 2026.

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