MLB's "robot umpire" debuts in Yankees-Giants season opener
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- New York Yankees' José Caballero made history by being the first player to challenge a call using Major League Baseball's new robot umpire system, known as the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), during the 2027 season opener against the San Francisco Giants.
- Caballero unsuccessfully challenged a called strike by umpire Bill Miller, with the ABS confirming the strike call on a 90.7 mph sinker from Giants pitcher Logan Webb.
- The ABS, which uses 12 Hawk-Eye cameras, has been tested in the minor leagues since 2019 and was used in major league spring training in 2025 and 2026, aiming to increase accuracy and accountability in strike zone calls.
- Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed support for ABS, emphasizing the importance of strategic use of challenges and the learning process for teams adapting to the new system.
- Giants manager Tony Vitello, new to professional baseball, noted initial surprise at the robot umpire's presence but acknowledged the evolving role of technology in the game.
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