In a historic moment during the Chicago Cubs' spring training opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitcher Cody Poteet initiated the first challenge on a ball/strike call in Major League Baseball history. This occurred when Poteet believed a fastball to Max Muncy was a strike, but plate umpire Tony Randazzo called it a ball. Following the new spring training rules, Poteet tapped his head to signal for a review, leading to a reversal of the call, putting Muncy at 0-2 before striking out.

This spring, MLB is trialing an automatic ball and strike system, allowing up to two challenges per game, which can be retained if successful. Players like Muncy have expressed interest in the system's potential for implementation in the future, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in every call.

The 2025 MLB spring training kicked off with an exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, where the Cubs triumphed 12-4. This game marked a significant milestone as it introduced an automatic ball-strike challenge system, affectionately known as a 'robot ump.' The Cubs successfully utilized the system to challenge a pitch that turned a ball into a strike against Max Muncy, showcasing a potential shift in officiating for the league.

While the MLB has no immediate plans to implement robot umps in regular-season play, the technology is being tested during spring training and could become mainstream by the 2026 season. With each team allowed two challenges per game, the early results from this groundbreaking system may influence future discussions on umpire accuracy and game efficiency.

The recent incident involving Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller sent shockwaves through the clubhouse. During a game against the Chicago Cubs, Miller was struck by a 106 mph line drive from Michael Busch, resulting in him being taken out of the game after collapsing on the mound. Max Muncy and Hunter Feduccia rushed to his aid as trainers attended to him.

Miller, who has been vying for a spot in the Dodgers' starting rotation, showed signs of resilience, humorously responding to trainers’ questions even as he was being checked for concussive symptoms. Fortunately, he was able to exit the field on his own power, but the team remains cautious, monitoring his condition in the days to come.

The injury raises questions about Miller's role in the upcoming season, especially as he competes with Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May for the fifth starter position. Last season was challenging for him, posting a disappointing 8.52 ERA, but his rookie season hinted at his potential, making this injury a concerning development for both him and the team's pitching depth.

A concerning incident unfolded during the Los Angeles Dodgers' spring training game against the Chicago Cubs, where pitcher Bobby Miller was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Cubs infielder Michael Busch. The pitch was clocked at 105.5 MPH, leading to immediate medical attention on the field. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Miller will enter concussion protocol, though the duration of his absence remains uncertain. Dodgers infielder Max Muncy reported that despite the injury, Miller displayed a sense of humor, joking about the pitch that caused the incident.

Miller's 2023 season showcased his potential with a respectable 3.76 ERA over 124.1 innings, but he faced setbacks in 2024 due to a shoulder injury. This latest incident raises concerns for his preparation for the upcoming season.

The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) during spring training games is set to transform how umpires make calls. Cody Poteet, the Cubs pitcher, became the first player to use the system successfully, challenging a call made by home plate umpire Tony Randazzo that was incorrectly judged a ball. The pitch was, in fact, a strike, demonstrating the technology's potential to enhance the accuracy of officiating in baseball.

This new system allows players to challenge calls within two seconds, with successful challenges retaining the team's ability to challenge further. As teams adapt to this technology, it could very well lead to its implementation in regular-season games by 2026.