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MLB to Introduce Challenge System for Ball-Strike Calls

12/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Major League Baseball will introduce a challenge system for ball-strike calls in 2026.
The system allows batters, catchers, or pitchers to contest umpire decisions, with two challenges per game.
Torey Lovullo, manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Rob Thomson, manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, express cautious optimism and preparation.
Derek Shelton, manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Terry Francona say pitchers should not challenge calls because of bias toward strikes.

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Story summary

Major League Baseball will introduce a challenge system for ball-strike calls in 2026.
The system allows batters, catchers, or pitchers to contest umpire decisions, with two challenges per game.
Torey Lovullo, manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Rob Thomson, manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, express cautious optimism and preparation.
Derek Shelton, manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Terry Francona say pitchers should not challenge calls because of bias toward strikes.