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Players Say MLB's Robot Umpires Are Shrinking the Strike Zone
Players and managers say the tighter Automated Ball-Strike zone has helped push walks to 9.8% of plate appearances, the highest rate since 1950.
- MLB players have drawn a walk in 9.8% of plate appearances through Wednesday, marking the highest rate since 1950 as the Automated Ball-Strike system debuts this season.
- To accommodate the new technology, MLB redefined the strike zone; the ABS zone is 17 inches wide and stretches from 27% to 53.5% of a batter's standing height.
- Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald claims the system favors batters, while Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner argues players are simply adjusting to the new data.
- League-Wide batting average sits at.240 through Wednesday, slightly below last year's.242 rate, contradicting claims of increased offensive production.
- Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough predicts walk rates will stabilize over the next five months, noting pitchers typically struggle in northern cities during March and April.
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Players cite ABS system for early spike in walks
Walks have skyrocketed to near historic highs through the season's first month. There is no direct evidence the ABS system is the reason for the increase, but as Diamondbacks catcher James McCann said: "Of course it is. What other rules have changed?"
·United States
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The Toronto Star+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Players say MLB’s robot umpires are shrinking the strike zone
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald knows that — in theory — Major League Baseball's new Automated Ball-Strike system shouldn't favor batters or pitchers.
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left11Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution52% Left
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
52% Left
L 52%
C 38%
Factuality
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