Robot strike zone is coming
Low-a league to test system in 2021
If a minor league player says an umpire is acting like a robot this year, he might be right.
Computer umpires for balls and strikes are coming to a low-level minor league but are a while away from the big leagues.
Major League Baseball plans to use Automated Ball-strike technology (ABS) in eight of nine ballparks in the Low-a Southeast League, which starts play May 4 across Florida as minor league baseball resumes after a one-year break caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Major League Baseball Umpires Association agreed in its labor contract that started in 2020 to cooperate and assist if commissioner Rob Manfred decides to utilize the system at the major league level. MLB intends to include the subject in talks this year to replace the agreement with the players’ association that expires Dec. 1.
“It’s hard to handicap if, when or how it might be employed at the major league level, because it is a pretty substantial difference from the way the game is called today,” Chris Marinak, MLB’S chief operations and strategy officer, said Wednesday
during an on-line presentation on 2021 innovation and fan engagement.
MLB tracks the accuracy of ball-strike calls by its plate umpires but doesn’t release the figures. Umpire Angel Hernandez, in a lawsuit filed against Major League Baseball, said his accuracy on ballstrike calls increased from 92.19 percent in 2012 to 96.88 percent in 2016.
Yankees 1, Blue Jays 0: Jordan Montgomery made his third start for New York, pitching five no-hit innings and lowering his ERA to 0.90. Aaron Judge had two hits and scored a run.
Red Sox 9, Twins 1: A year after a bout with COVID-19 denied him a chance to be the Red Sox’s opening day starter, Eduardo Rodriguez is getting a do-over. Manager Alex Cora made the announcement following Boston’s exhibition win over Minnesota. Rodriguez struck out six and gave up two hits and one earned run over five innings.
Marlins 3, Mets 2: Miami right-hander Sandy Alcantara threw five innings of three-hit ball, striking out nine. Joey Lucchesi made his first start in his second appearance for New York, allowing two walks in three scoreless innings. Francisco Lindor had two hits, and Albert Almora Jr. drove in two runs.
Astros: Top prospect Forrest Whitley had Tommy John surgery and left-hander Framber Valdez is improving after breaking a finger this spring.