MLB debuts robotic ump problem system at Dodgers-Cubs spring coaching opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs performed the primary spring coaching sport of 2025 on Thursday and debuted some new expertise within the course of.

Thursday’s Cactus League opener, a 12-4 Cubs win, noticed the primary use of an automatic ball-strike problem system, generally often known as a “robotic ump,” between MLB groups. The Cubs used the problem system twice over the course of 9 innings, successful as soon as and dropping the opposite.

The primary problem got here two batters into the underside of the primary inning, when beginning pitcher Cody Poteet had a pitch name turned from a ball to a strike to go up 0-2 on Max Muncy. The entire course of took about 30 seconds.

The opposite problem got here within the backside of eighth inning, when Frank Scalzo Jr.’s problem did not get a ball was a strike.

MLB has no plans to implement the robotic umps within the main leagues this yr however is testing the system throughout spring coaching, with a attainable adoption for the 2026 season. The minor leagues have been utilizing each the robotic ump problem system and a game-wide utilization that bypasses the house plate umps for years.

As Yahoo Sports activities’ Jordan Shusterman laid out, MLB groups every begin the sport with two challenges and lose them provided that the umpire’s name is confirmed. The batter, pitcher and catcher can all provoke a problem however should achieve this instantly after the pitch, slightly than ready for phrase from the dugout (MLB dugouts ready for a replay to problem is a standard grievance of the present problem system). Challenges use the Hawkeye expertise that powers Statcast.

MLB has 13 stadiums incorporating the problem system this spring, which is able to cowl greater than 60% of spring coaching video games.