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Fog Halts Game at Wrigley and Disables ABS Challenge and Pitch Tracking

Thick fog forced umpires to pause play after players said they could not see pitches, exposing gaps in MLB's automated challenge and data systems.

Overview

  • Play at Wrigley Field stopped when a dense blanket of fog rolled in and players complained they could not see the baseball, leading officials to announce a weather delay.
  • The stoppage began during the mid-to-late innings and lasted roughly 15 minutes before visibility improved and the teams returned to play.
  • Umpires said the ABS automated ball-strike and replay-support system was not operational during the fog, so a challenge on an Ian Happ play could not be reviewed and the on-field call stood.
  • MLB's Gameday platform also lacked pitch-velocity readings for pitches just before and after the delay, leaving broadcasters, teams and analysts without usual tracking data.
  • The Cardinals completed a 3-0 win after the game resumed, and the incident highlights how severe weather can disrupt both player safety and the technology that supports officiating and game data.