The debate over automated balls and strikes is still hot and looks like it will reach the majors sooner rather than later.
The idea was unimaginable even in the last decade, but as technology has improved, interest has increased.
Automated strike zones were a hot topic on an episode of HBO's now-defunct “Real Sports” in 2017, but Major League Baseball finally acted in 2019.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks to the media at the Grapefruit League media day in Dunedin, Florida, on February 16, 2023. (Jonathan Dyer/USA Today Sports)
The automated balls and strikes system (ABS) began experimentally and, as of last year, has been used at all Triple-A stadiums.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has hinted that the change will come to the big leagues, but on Thursday he made some telling comments.
“There is a growing consensus, largely based on what we hear from players, that the way of challenge should be the way of ABS, as long as we take it to the big leagues, at least as a starting point” said Manfred. , via El Atlético.
Referees in all sports have come under increased scrutiny as replays have become more frequent.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. speaks to the media during the Cactus League spring training media day at the Arizona Biltmore on February 15, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
YOUNG PIRATES FAN SAYS OLIVIA DUNNE IS HIS 'FAVORITE THING' OVER PAUL SKENES
Manfred has been at the forefront of major changes to baseball, particularly those he made ahead of the 2023 season to speed up the pace of the game by adding a pitch timer, larger bases and pick-off limitations.
And they have worked.
According baseball reference, the average nine-inning game last year took two hours and 39 minutes to complete, more than 31 minutes faster than the record of 3:10 in 2021. It was the first time the average nine-inning game took less than three hours to complete since 2015, and the 2:39 duration was the fastest since 1985, when the average nine-inning contest took the same amount of time. This year the games last an average of two hours and 35 minutes.
Only 0.4% of games lasted more than 3½ hours, down from 18.7% in 2021. And 30.5% of games in 2023 lasted less than 2½ hours, down from 2.5% three years ago. years.
An umpire catches a ball during the second inning between the Baltimore Orioles and the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 22, 2023 in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The rule changes also led to an increase in attendance despite cries from fans that the game was changing too much. MLB attracted 70.7 million fans to its stadiums in 2023, the most since 2017.
Manfred said he will retire from his position after his contract expires in 2029.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
