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ABS Review Confirmed Strike Despite Replay Showing Pitch 0.8 Inches Low

A short delay and a missing stadium graphic point to a possible ABS processing or communication failure that the Athletics have asked MLB to explain.

Overview

  • A challenged 2-0 pitch in the fourth inning was upheld as a strike by plate umpire Adam Beck after a brief delay even though MLB.com replay measured the pitch 0.8 inches below the strike zone.
  • The usual pitch-location graphic did not appear on the Sutter Health Park video board during the review, suggesting a system or display error affected what was shown to fans and officials.
  • Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said umpires were told the call was confirmed by the ABS controller upstairs while the A's viewed the replay on the dugout iPad that showed the pitch was a ball.
  • The disputed call did not change the final result because the batter later drew a walk and the Athletics won 6-4, but the team has requested clarification from Major League Baseball about the incident.
  • The episode highlights a structural gap in how ABS decisions reach the field — an upstairs controller communicates by earpiece while teams only see a post-play iPad clip — and could prompt MLB to review ABS operations and display systems.