sports
MLB's "robot umpire" debuts in Yankees-Giants season opener
San Francisco — New York's José Caballero thought for sure the pitch from Logan Webb had missed the strike zone, so he challenged the human umpire's call - and made major league history in the process.
TL;DR
- José Caballero became the first player to challenge a call from MLB's "robot umpire" system.
- The challenge occurred during the New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants season opener.
- Caballero's challenge of a strike call by umpire Bill Miller was unsuccessful, upheld by the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS).
- The ABS system utilizes 12 Hawk-Eye cameras.
- The system has undergone testing in minor leagues since 2019 and in major league spring training in 2025 and '26.
- Managers and players will need to strategize their challenges, as teams have a limited number.
- Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed support for the ABS system and emphasized communication with his team.
- Giants manager Tony Vitello acknowledged the transition to incorporating the robot umpire.