Overview
- The rollout begins May 5 in the Pacific Coast League, with Salt Lake’s first home use set for May 12, while the International League serves as a control by not adopting the system.
- A swing will be ruled when the maximum angle between the bat head and handle exceeds 45 degrees, as measured by bat-tracking technology.
- Teams receive two challenges per game that can be used on balls, strikes, or swings, and successful appeals are retained.
- Previous trials in the Florida State League and Arizona Fall League produced about a 3% reduction in strikeouts, leading to more balls put in play.
- Other Triple-A experiments this season include tighter pitch-clock procedures, PitchCom malfunctions counting as mound visits, and an International League second-base reposition later in the year.