The first MLB spring training ball-strike challenge was successful

A bit of baseball history occurred during the Cubs’ spring training game against the Dodgers on Thursday afternoon. Cubs pitcher Cody Poteet became the first player in spring training to challenge a call using the new ABS (Automated Ball-Strike System), which is being tested during the Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons. On an 0-1 pitch to Dodgers infielder Max Muncy in the first inning, home plate umpire Tony Randazzo called a ball, which Poteet didn’t agree with. The ex-Yankees hurler signaled the challenge, and the ABS showed that the pitch was actually a strike, resulting in the Cubs pitcher winning the challenge and a 1-1 count to Muncy instead became an 0-2 count. Roughly 60 percent of spring training games this season will feature the ABS challenge system, which has been tested in the minor leagues since 2021, according to MLB.The system uses Hawk-Eye technology to monitor where the location of the pitch is in relation to the batter’s strike zone.A batter, catcher or pitcher can signal for a challenge. No one else is allowed to challenge a pitch call and teams start with two challenges apiece. “This is a pretty big decision for the game of baseball,” MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword told MLB.com about the decision to try the ABS challenge system during spring training.

“That we want to get everybody to weigh in on.”Some teams have tested out the technology during live batting practices. In fact, the Mets were toying around with it on Thursday in a video captured by SNY. At one point during live BP, Francisco Lindor successfully challenged a call and jokingly shouted for it to be shown on the video board at Clover Park. “Show the world that I’m right!” Lindor said in the video. The Padres also tested it with starter Yu Darvish throwing live BP....