There might not have been a more vocal opponent of the automated ball-strike system than Aaron Boone, who nonetheless knew this was a battle he would not win.
Major League Baseball announced it would adopt the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system for next season — a system that Boone critiqued during spring training for several reasons, including its potential for continuous use throughout a game.
Teams will begin with two challenges, and all successful challenges will be retained.
“It was inevitable that this was coming,” Boone said before clinching a postseason spot with a 3-2 win over the White Sox in The Bronx on Tuesday. “Hopefully it’s something that is a good thing for Major League Baseball. Obviously throughout the year I’ve been a little not totally on board with it or exactly how it’s going to be implemented.
“But it’s going to be here, and hopefully that’s a good thing.”
It is possible that it will not be a good thing for the Yankees.
Since the data began being tracked in 2018, Yankees catchers have been the best in the sport at converting borderline pitches into strikes.
They entered play with 82 Catcher Framing Runs, the most in the majors.
Their ability to teach and develop catchers who are proficient in framing has resulted not just in effective receivers in The Bronx but a reputation that has turned many Yankees minor league catchers into trade bait.
Being able to challenge balls and strikes will not make the technique irrelevant — only a fully automated, robot-ump system would do so. But it might partially devalue a Yankees strength.
“[The skill is] definitely not irrelevant. Does it change it a little? Maybe,” Boone said. “I still think [with quality framing] you’re netting yourself a lot of things throughout the game.”
Only the pitcher, catcher or batter will be able to challenge an umpire’s call.
Boone joked about “pre-shaming” hitters who believe all pitches against them are balls and being strategic about how the club will try to make the most of the rule change, perhaps saving challenges for later innings.
“Hopefully you’re in a position to overturn the most impactful calls,” Boone said. “I think there’s going to be an advantage to be had by the teams that are good at challenging and strategic about how and when they challenge.”
Boone became the second manager in MLB history to reach the postseason in seven of his first eight seasons as manager, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, joining Dave Roberts (first 10 seasons with the Dodgers).
Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill and Luke Weaver combined to throw three scoreless innings.
Yankees relievers have posted a 0.48 ERA (one earned in 18 ²/₃ innings) over their past six games.
Anthony Volpe, who was out of the starting lineup Sunday, returned to shortstop and went 2-for-4 while scoring the game-tying run.
Volpe has played well on both sides of the ball since receiving a cortisone shot in his shoulder earlier this month.
