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robot umpires
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- 1MLB game times climbing, robot umpires partly to blame▼MLB average game time on the rise, partly because of robot umps
Average Major League Baseball game times are rising again, and ESPN reports that the introduction of the automated ball-strike system, known as robot umpires, is one contributing factor. The challenge system, in which players request reviews of calls, adds stoppages to games. The trend comes despite the pitch clock that had previously shortened games to record lows, prompting renewed debate about pace of play.
- 2MLB game times rise nearly four minutes amid robot umpires●MLB average game time up nearly 4 minutes to 2:42, partly because of robot umpires
Major League Baseball's average game length has increased by nearly four minutes to 2 hours and 42 minutes, with the robot umpire system cited as one contributing factor. The automated ball-strike system, introduced to improve accuracy, appears to be slowing the pace of play, reversing some of the gains from earlier rule changes aimed at shortening games.
- 3
Major League Baseball is seeing average game times increase following the introduction of its automated ball-strike system, in which electronic umpires call balls and strikes. The rise runs counter to the league's recent push to speed up games through the pitch clock and other rule changes, prompting debate among fans, players and analysts about whether the technology is slowing play or altering pitcher behaviour.
- 4MLB Game Times Rise with Robot Umpires and Challenge System▼MLB Average Game Times Increased Following Robot Umpires and ABS Challenge System
Average Major League Baseball game times have increased following the introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike system, which allows players to challenge umpire calls using robot umpires. The challenge process and reviews appear to be adding minutes back onto games, a reversal of the pace-of-play gains MLB achieved with earlier rules changes like the pitch clock.
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A called third strike was overturned under Major League Baseball's Automated Ball-Strike challenge system, allowing the batter to remain at the plate. The decision highlights the growing influence of the robot umpire technology now being used to review ball-and-strike calls, with fans and commentators weighing in on how ABS is changing the game and the role of home plate umpires.
- 6Contreras challenge overturns strike three via ABS▼Strike 3 is overturned after Contreras' ABS challenge
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras successfully challenged a called strike three using MLB's Automated Ball-Strike system, and the call was overturned. It is a notable early example of the ABS challenge system changing a strikeout in a game, drawing attention to how robot umpiring is affecting baseball.
- 7ABS challenge overturns ball four to strike one▼Ball 4 is overturned to strike 1 after ABS challenge
An automated ball-strike challenge in Major League Baseball changed a call from ball four to strike one, flipping the outcome of the at-bat. It is a clear example of the ABS system altering a plate appearance in real time, and a talking point as the technology expands through the league and fans debate whether robot umps are improving accuracy or changing the game's feel.
- 8Automated ball-strike system takes center stage in MLB playoffs●The biggest ABS storylines of the Wild Card Series
MLB.com has highlighted the biggest storylines around the automated ball-strike system in the Wild Card Series, the opening round of the baseball postseason. The piece spotlines how the ABS challenge system is being used in playoff games for the first time and which calls or controversies stood out. Fans are watching closely to see how robot umpires affect high-stakes October baseball.
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Major League Baseball's automated ball-strike system, known as ABS, confirmed a second strike call, with MLB.com highlighting the moment. The automated review technology is being used to verify umpire calls at the plate, and each confirmed ruling fuels ongoing debate among fans and players about accuracy and the pace of games.
- 10Andrew Painter strikes out Dominic Smith after ABS review▼Andrew Painter strikes out Dominic Smith after ABS
Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter struck out Dominic Smith in a spring training at-bat that followed an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge. The moment highlighted baseball's new robot umpire system, with Painter's outing drawing attention as he continues his return to form.
- 11Umpire's Ball Call Overturned to Strike After ABS Challenge▼Ball 1 is overturned to Strike 1 after ABS challenge
Major League Baseball's automated ball-strike system was used to overturn a home plate umpire's call, turning a ball into a strike after a challenge. It is a high-profile example of the ABS challenge system in action, and people are debating whether robot-assisted officiating is improving or hurting the game.
- 12Phillies first team to win MLB playoff game via ABS challenge●Phillies become first team to win MLB playoff game on ABS challenge https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7647430/2026/09/30/
The Philadelphia Phillies have become the first team in Major League Baseball history to win a playoff game on an automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge, according to The Athletic. The milestone came in their postseason matchup against the Atlanta Braves, highlighting the growing impact of the robot umpire system now used in October baseball.
- 13Karros wins ABS challenge as strikeout call overturned▼Strike 3 is overturned after Karros' ABS challenge
In a Major League Baseball game, home plate umpire called strike three on a batter, but the call was overturned after Dodgers first base coach Danny Karros, or a player named Karros, successfully challenged the pitch using MLB's automated ball-strike (ABS) system. It marks another visible example of the robot umpire review system changing a strikeout outcome in real time, fuelling ongoing debate about technology in officiating.