The Minor Leagues are a place where MLB can trial different rules prior to implementing them in Major League games. This year, reports are saying that all 30 AAA ball parks will use robot umps and half of the teams will use the challenge system.
Sources: All AAA parks to have robot umps in ’23 https://t.co/HoATtFBYkx
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 13, 2023
As mentioned above, robot umps, or the Automatic Balls and Strikes system (ABS), will be used two different ways in the AAA system in 2023. Half of the parks will have the ability to challenge calls and the others will not. Those with the ability to challenge will get three challenges per game and will retain the ability to use more if they are correct.
If the ABS system is to come to the Major Leagues, it would not be until all the kinks are worked out. In the big leagues in 2023 new rule changes are already set to take place including a pitch clock, restriction on the number of times a pitcher can attempt pickoff throws, limiting extreme defensive shifts, and larger bases.
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