MLB All-Star Game will use robo ump challenge system

A national audience is about to learn all about the automatic balls and strikes (ABS) challenge system.

MLB will employ the ABS system in next week’s All-Star Game on July 15 while there are growing calls to move toward using the operation in the future, according to ESPN.

While MLB employed the ABS system during spring training and in the minors, there will be more eyeballs watching the Midsummer Classic than your random Grapefruit League game.

Each team will receive two challenges that they keep if the challenge is successful, and only pitchers, catchers and hitters can contest the call, per the report.

The hitter reportedly has to hit his helmet or hat to indicate he would like to challenge the call, and then an animated replay will be shown on the scoreboard for the umpire to review for a ruling.

ABS relies on Hawk-Eye system technology, per ESPN.

The need for a better-defined strike zone has been increasing in recent years fans as players, managers, executives and fans alike have grown tired of bad calls affecting games.

This past Sunday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza erupted and earned the boot after contesting a pair of pitches that went against catcher Luis Torrens in the ninth inning of the 6-4 loss to the Yankees.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last month he plans to submit a proposal to the 11-person competition committee this summer to decide on whether to implement ABS for the 2026 system.

“I think that teams are really positive about ABS,” Manfred said, per The Athletic. “You know, I do have that unscientific system that I use — my email traffic — and my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain about balls and strike calls via email, to me, referencing the need for ABS. That is undoubtedly true, undoubtedly true.”