MLB testing new challenge system at Salt Lake Bees games

The article covers Major League Baseball’s new “Check Swing Challenge” in the Pacific Coast League. This Triple-A experiment uses bat-trajectory technology to settle disputed swings.

Starting May 5, teams get two challenges per game to contest balls, strikes, or swings during an at-bat. If a challenge succeeds, teams keep it.

The Salt Lake Bees will try out the system when they host El Paso on May 12 at The Ballpark at America First Square. MLB has tested similar automated check-swing systems in the minors and has already introduced balls-and-strikes challenges to regular-season MLB games this year.

This initiative runs alongside other minor-league rule experiments, like changes to base positioning and pace of play. MLB’s trying to figure out what might actually stick for the future.

What is the Check Swing Challenge and how does it work?

The Check Swing Challenge uses technology to track the bat’s path and decide if a swing should count as a ball or a strike. A swing gets defined as the bat exceeding a 45-degree angle between the head and handle.

When a team challenges and the system overturns the call, the new result stands. If not, the team loses that challenge. Each Triple-A team starts with two challenges per game, usable on any pitch outcome—balls, strikes, or swings—during an at-bat. If you get it right, you keep the challenge and can use it again.

In practice, this system aims to give a more objective look at close calls, but it doesn’t totally replace the human side of the game. The Salt Lake Bees will be among the first to use it when they host El Paso on May 12. MLB hopes this tech can improve accuracy while still keeping the game’s competitive balance intact.

Technical mechanics and process

Technologists and umpires team up to run the review process. When someone disputes a swing, the technology measures the angle and checks if it passes the 45-degree mark.

The review can overturn or confirm the original call. If the challenge works, you keep it. This setup is similar to the balls-and-strikes challenges MLB has already tried, but now it also covers swings. The main idea is to see if this reduces human error without bogging down the game.

Impact on outcomes and early data

Early tests in other minor leagues, like the Florida State League and Arizona Fall League, have shown some interesting results. Data points to a 3% lower strikeout rate and more balls in play when check-swing reviews are active.

These trends might push teams to rethink their batting and pitching strategies as they adapt to more precise swing calls. MLB’s tracking whether these tools actually bring on-field benefits, from fewer controversial calls to a better sense of fairness across all levels of play.

Other minor-league rule experiments

Alongside the check-swing initiative, the minor leagues are tinkering with several pace-of-play and base-path tweaks. One of the more interesting changes is a slightly closer second base in the International League.

Triple-A teams are also working under a set of adjusted pitch clock rules. Umpires now restart the pitch clock right after a timeout, without waiting for the batter to get ready.

If a player claims a PitchCom malfunction, that counts as a mound visit. At the lower levels, they’re putting limits on mid-at-bat timeouts and cutting down on disengagement attempts for Double-A pitchers trying to stop steals.

• Check Swing Challenge kicks off in the Pacific Coast League on May 5
• Each team gets two challenges per game, usable on balls, strikes, or swings
• Salt Lake Bees vs. El Paso marks the local debut on May 12 at The Ballpark at America First Square
• Earlier trials nudged strikeouts down a bit and got a few more balls in play
• Other minor-league tests include tweaks to base positioning and pitch clock rules

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB to test another challenge system at Salt Lake Bees games this season