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MLB to Review All-Star Game Robo-Ump Trial for 2026 Rollout

League officials will determine whether to implement a pitch-challenge system in 2026 based on the All-Star Game trial

San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey (14) against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Monday, June 30, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Umpire Chad Whitson, seen during a game at Oracle Park in 2023, didn’t make any fans in the Giants dugout with his calls in Sunday’s game.
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Giants manager Bob Melvin has had his moments with umpires this season, getting ejected by home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott in the ninth inning on June 30 against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix. 

Overview

  • The All-Star Game test saw Hawk-Eye–powered ABS overturn four of five challenged calls within seconds on the stadium scoreboard.
  • Commissioner Rob Manfred has tasked the competition committee with evaluating performance data and player feedback before approving a full-season launch.
  • Reactions are divided, with Manny Machado warning that technology erodes the human element and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighting its strategic benefits.
  • Giants catcher Patrick Bailey cautioned that wider ABS use could undermine catchers’ pitch-framing value and alter defensive roles.
  • Analysts and stakeholders are proposing expanded or bonus challenges per inning to fine-tune the system while preserving game pace.