MLB testing out interesting rule change
Feb 17, 2019; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addresses representatives from the grapefruit league during the annual spring training media day at Hilton in West Palm Beach. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Major League Baseball has expanded its replay system in recent years, and another significant change is being tested.
MLB has been testing out a check-swing review system during Arizona Fall League games. During the second inning of Tuesday night’s game between the Scottsdale Scorpions and Salt River Rafters, New York Mets prospect Drew Gilbert was called for a strike on a 3-1 count after umpires ruled that he tried to check his swing but did not hold up.
Gilbert tapped his helmet, which indicated that he wanted to initiate a check-swing review. The electronic system showed that he did, in fact, check his swing, which resulted in a walk.
MLB Tests First-Ever Checked-Swing Challenge System In Arizona Fall Leaguehttps://t.co/wKFAosxCY1 pic.twitter.com/XiFJaxVq50
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) October 23, 2024
Later in the game, New York Yankees prospect Garrett Martin also appealed a check-swing strike call via the replay system. Martin’s challenge was successful as well:
Another example of the checked-swing review system from last night. pic.twitter.com/ifi2c6pkhJ
— Josh Norris (@jnorris427) October 23, 2024
As Sam Dykstra of MLB.com explained, the Check Swing Challenge uses the same Hawk-Eye technology that is already used for the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge system in the Arizona Fall League. The Check Swing Challenge determines whether a swing crossed a 45-degree threshold from home plate, which would be a strike.
Each team in the Arizona Fall League is currently given two check-swing challenges to use throughout the game. They are given an additional challenge in the 9th inning if they use both before then.
We have seen some controversy regarding the MLB’s replay system during the postseason this year, so it is unclear how much they will want to expand it ahead of the 2025 season.