The Automated Ball-Strike system, or ABS system, which was tested at the Triple-A level during the 2023 and '24 seasons, is slated to be featured in roughly 60% of games this spring. As clubs begin training for game action with live batting practice sessions, the ABS system is being previewed for hitters and pitchers.

Umpires first began calling both balls and strikes way back in 1864, and baseballers have been arguing about those calls ever since. Strike-zone judgment has been the subject of some untold number of verbal (and,