MLB to test out Automated Ball-Strike Challenge system

The system will be in place for roughly 60% of Spring Training games as MLBdetermines whether ABSor something similar is appropriate for use in Major League Games.

While many fans have been calling for "robot umps" especially for behind the plate, ABS doesn't go that far and is seen as compromise between fully human and fully machine.

But how does it work?

A human ump will still call balls and strikes, but HawkEye technology will be running in the background and will allow a player to challenge an umpire's call.

For Spring Training, each team will begin the game with two challenges.

However, only the batter, catcher, or pitcher may issue a challenge, and it must be done immediately following the pitch. This will be done by tapping on the cap or helmet.

Managers are not allowed to challenge.

Similar to a manager's challenge on reviewable calls, if a team is wrong they lose a challenge. They retain it if they win.

ABS has been in use in the minors for a few years. The past couple of seasons saw both full ABS and the Challenge system implemented.

MiLB showed a clear preference for the latter over the former, which is why we are unlikely to ever see a full automated system in the big leagues.

Technology is changing the game but many fans still love the human element of the game. The ABS challenge system is a happy medium of the two.