Overview
- MLB disabled the iPads' custom tab starting Wednesday to stop teams from running third‑party or generative‑AI apps that produced in‑game recommendations like pitch calls and substitutions.
- A June 11 memo from the commissioner's office said the custom tab had expanded tablet use beyond video and league data into automated strategy advice.
- A competition‑committee review found no violations of existing sign‑stealing or electronic‑device rules so the league imposed the restriction administratively without fines or suspensions.
- Former reliever Adam Ottavino publicly singled out the New York Mets for using an expensive AI program and the Mets’ interim manager Andy Green responded that the club remains fully compliant with MLB rules.
- The iPads will still provide delayed video and Statcast data while MLB will monitor material clubs upload, a move that aims to curb an emerging arms race between analytics departments and preserve on‑field human decision making.