Dodgers struggling with new ABS challenge system during spring training
PHOENIX –– Finally, the Dodgers have discovered one thing they do not excel at.
In truth, so far of spring training, they have been considerably worse at it than each different group.
This yr, Major League Baseball is introducing an automated ball-strike challenge system (ABS) into regular-season play. And to date, during a trial run in Cactus League exhibition video games, the Dodgers have flat-out stunk when attempting to attraction pitches.
Dalton Rushing (proper) has tried essentially the most challenges among the many Dodgers’ catchers, going 2 for six on his makes an attempt from behind the plate. AP
Overall, the group received simply 5 of the 27 pitch calls they’d challenged getting into play Saturday. Among hitters, their 15% success fee (2 for 11) is six factors worse than every other group. Among pitchers and catchers, their 21% success fee (3 for 11) is not even half nearly as good as the following closest membership.
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While the Dodgers have downplayed their considerations over the early numbers, supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned they’re “going to do an organizational forum on Tuesday to get our guys, our hitting coaches, our players to talk about some things, maybe some strategies.”
Roberts additionally acknowledged that, whereas most of the Dodgers’ failed challenges have been “borderline” misses, the group’s “idea of the strike zone individually, collectively just hasn’t been great.”
“I honestly don’t know the answer right now,” Roberts added, when requested in regards to the root explanation for such pronounced struggles.
With Opening Day lower than two weeks away, the group must discover some higher solutions shortly.
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Granted, the Dodgers have approached the ABS system with a extra exploratory mindset in camp. Strategy has not been a precedence. Getting calibrated to the precise dimensions of the zone has.
“Even if we’re wrong, we need to use it just to figure out the tops and bottoms of the zone,” first baseman Freddie Freeman mentioned earlier this spring. “A lot of us are still trying to learn it… Spring training is the time to figure it out, figure out your zone and see if you have a better idea of it [before the start of the season].”
Still, their grand complete of 5 profitable challenges this spring has felt considerably jarring. Every different membership has a minimum of 12 overturned calls. The Yankees are establishing peace with 37.
“We’ve just got to get that education,” Roberts mentioned. “We’ll be better. I’m certain of that.”
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Individually, pattern sizes have been minuscule for a lot of the gamers anticipated to be on the Dodgers’ MLB roster. Alex Call and Dalton Rushing are the one ones who’ve tried a couple of challenge, with Call 1 for two and Rushing 0 for two. Rushing has tried essentially the most challenges among the many group’s catchers, going 2 for six on his makes an attempt from behind the plate.
Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing obtained some redemption Saturday when he challenged a ball that ABS confirmed had clipped the nook of the strike zone. Diamond Images/Getty Images
Their greatest lesson to date: Just how advantageous the margins between a ball and a strike could be.
Earlier this week, Rushing challenged a known as ball whereas catching that was upheld –– with the ABS system exhibiting it missed the zone by lower than 1/tenth of an inch.
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“I would’ve bet my whole life that baseball was touching the zone,” Rushing joked with SportsNet LA afterward. “But that’s what spring training is for.”
On Saturday, Rushing received redemption when he challenged a ball that ABS confirmed had clipped the nook of the strike zone. As a scoreboard graphic at Camelback Ranch confirmed the profitable challenge, Rushing playfully gave thanks by wanting towards the sky.
It additionally stays unclear simply how pivotal the ABS system can be when actual video games begin. Teams are solely allowed two missed calls earlier than they run out of challenges. Most nights, overturned balls and strikes determine to have solely a marginal affect on the result of video games.
Nonetheless, it’s one space the two-time defending champions are targeted on bettering earlier than Opening Day on March 26.
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“At the end of the day, we want to get it right,” Roberts mentioned.
For now, they’ve nowhere to go however up.
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