Arizona Fall League Check-Swing Challenge

MLB Tests First-Ever Checked-Swing Challenge System In Arizona Fall League

Drew Smith
October 24, 2024
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MLB’s replay system is getting another potential upgrade, with the league testing a check-swing review system in the Arizona Fall League. In Tuesday night’s game between the Scottsdale Scorpions and Salt River Rafters, fans got an up-close look at how this new system works.

During the second inning, New York Mets prospect Drew Gilbert was called for a strike after trying to check his swing on a 3-1 count. Instead of accepting the call, Gilbert tapped his helmet, signaling a challenge.

The replay review showed that he did not cross the 45-degree threshold, overturning the call and giving Gilbert the walk.

MLB Tests First-Ever Checked-Swing Challenge System In Arizona Fall League

MLB Tests First-Ever Checked-Swing Challenge System In Arizona Fall Leaguehttps://t.co/wKFAosxCY1 pic.twitter.com/XiFJaxVq50
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) October 23, 2024

Later in the game, New York Yankees prospect Garrett Martin used the system to appeal another check-swing strike call. His challenge was also successful, further demonstrating the potential impact of the system.

Another example of the checked-swing review system from last night. pic.twitter.com/ifi2c6pkhJ
— Josh Norris 🐻 (@jnorris427) October 23, 2024

According to Sam Dykstra of MLB.com, the Check Swing Challenge uses Hawk-Eye technology, which is already part of the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge (ABS) system in the Fall League. It determines whether the bat crossed the critical 45-degree mark, which would make it a strike.

Each team currently gets two check-swing challenges per game, with an additional one granted in the ninth inning if both are used before then.

While MLB’s replay system has faced its share of controversy—especially during this year’s postseason—this experiment shows that the league is willing to explore more ways to use technology to improve accuracy.

Whether the Check Swing Challenge finds its way into regular-season games by 2025 is still up in the air, but it’s clear MLB is at least considering it. As the league weighs its options, one thing is for sure: the future of replay could get even more interesting.

Andrew Painter throws 29 pitches, hits 100 mph on the gun during Arizona Fall League debut