MLB Testing Checked-Swing Challenge System In AFL

Baseball history was made in the Arizona Fall League Tuesday night with the first-ever checked-swing video replay challenge.

In the second inning of a game between the Scottsdale Scorpions and Salt River Rafters, Mets prospect Drew Gilbert took a half-swing at a 3-1 pitch from Salt River starter Dylan Ray. Catcher Antonio Gomez appealed to third base umpire Darius Ghani, who ruled that Gilbert had swung.

Gilbert then countered by tapping his helmet, indicating he wanted to initiate an automated review of the checked-swing. After a few seconds, the video board showed an animation of Gilbert’s swing path and determined that Ghani’s call was incorrect: Gilbert had not swung, and the pitch should instead be ruled ball four.

Much like other rules that have been tested in the Arizona Fall League, this is likely only the first step toward a version which could one day reach the big leagues. There will be tweaking and testing and trial and error. If the system does come to MLB, it will give teams and umpires one more tool to help ensure the most accurately called game possible.

In the meantime, Baseball America’s Josh Norris was on hand for a complete breakdown—including video and a reaction from Scottsdale manager Dennis Pelfrey—of the latest step in the evolution of baseball’s rulebook.

HOT BATS IN JUPITER

10 Hitters To Know From Perfect Game’s WWBA World Championship

The World Wood Bat tournament in Jupiter is one of, if not the best, high school events on the circuit each year. It gives scouts one last look at a plethora of top prospects all under the same roof, so to speak, before winter and the heart of the offseason.

Though a one-week delay due to Hurricane Milton resulted in a less-than-normal turnout for the event, it was was a fun and fast-paced five-day stretch in which a lot of players stood out.

On site for games last week in Jupiter, Baseball America’s Peter Flaherty will be breaking down the event’s top-performing players, beginning with 10 hitters to know. Highlights include:

• A pair of 2026 shortstops huge draft potential

• A 5-foot-9 outfielder who hit an eye-popping .714

• A sophomore catcher who more than held his own against upperclassmen

HUGE TV NUMBERS INCOMING?

World Series TV Ratings For Dodgers vs. Yankees Could Beat NBA Finals

There seems to be a widespread perception that the NBA Finals now draws significantly more viewers than the World Series. In reality, the two leagues have traded ratings supremacy back and forth in recent years.

No matter how it shakes out, one thing is true: A New York vs. Los Angeles matchup will almost assuredly boost ratings compared to the Rangers-Diamondbacks matchup last year that saw a record-low 9.1 million average viewers.

With the World Series set to begin Friday, J.J. Cooper took a long look at the changing modern media landscape and recent ratings tug-of-war between MLB and the NBA.

Gear Up For The World Series With BreakingT

What better way to get ready for the highly-anticipated World Series matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers than with a cool new t-shirt (don’t worry, there’s more than just NYY/LAD merch available).

Now through first pitch on Friday, our friends at BreakingT are offering 15% off their baseball collection. Use coupon code FINAL15 at checkout to save!

TRENDING NOW AT BASEBALL AMERICA

🎓 Matt Eddy provides a rundown of the National League’s top 10 graduating prospects from the class of 2024.

🐂 Like it or not, the ‘bullpenning’ trend in postseason games seems here to stay.

🔥 This week’s Hot Sheet Show previewed the Fall Classic while also turning an eye to an ongoing youth revolution at the catching position.

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