MLB will feature the use of the automated ball-strike challenge system during Tuesday's All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta.
The move to use the ABS system during the All-Star Game comes after positive reception from the fans when the league successfully tested it during this year's Spring Training. MLB has been testing ABS at levels of the Minor Leagues since the 2021 season and ABS has been used in Triple-A games since 2022.
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The All-Star Game will feature the same ABS challenge rules as Spring Training. Each team will get two challenges and can keep them if they're successful. Challenges can only be initiated by a pitcher, catcher or batter, and the request must come right after the pitch. To signal a challenge, the pitcher, catcher or batter will tap his hat or helmet to let the umpire know. No help from the dugout or other players on the field is allowed.
The ABS system powered by T-Mobile's 5G network utilizes the Hawk-Eye system to track a pitch's trajectory and location to relay an immediate verdict on whether it was a ball or a strike.
"I had one game in Spring Training where [we used the ABS challenge system] and I thought the challenges worked in that game,” said Giants right-hander Logan Webb, a two-time All-Star, while speaking at All-Star Game media day. "Both teams did it and everyone was correct. The players have a good feel for what’s a strike and what’s a ball.
"I feel for the most part, we know what's borderline. That's something that I used in spring, when I threw a pitch that I knew wasn’t borderline. I knew it was a strike. I ended up getting it right."
MLB’s Joint Competition Committee is expected to meet later this summer to determine whether the system will debut in the Majors in 2026.