MLB will use robot umpire challenge system in ASG

NEWS+NOTES

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The Automated Ball-Strike System plays on the scoreboard after a pitch call was challenged during the first inning of a spring training game between the White Sox and the Padres on Feb. 26. CAROLYN KASTER – THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE

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Major League Baseball plans to use its robot umpire technology for ball-strike challenges in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta, another step toward possible regular-season use next season.

MLB said Wednesday it intends to make the All-Star announcement Thursday.

Teams won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges during the spring training test, with 617 of 1,182 challenges successful in the 288 exhibition games using the Automated Ball-Strike System. ABS was installed at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teams, and an animation of the pitch was shown on video boards displaying the challenge result for spectators to see.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last month that the ABS system was likely to be considered for regular-season use by the 11-man competition committee, which includes six management representatives.

Royals sign former CY young winner to minor league contract >> The Royals signed former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league deal, hours before they played the finale of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 37-year-old Keuchel worked out for the Royals last week. He will head to their training facility in Surprise, Arizona, and then is expected to spend time at Triple-A Omaha in the hopes of returning to the big leagues.

Keuchel appeared in only four games for Milwaukee last season. His last appearance came on July 13, 2024.

NBA

NBA Cup groups announced >> Defending NBA Cup champion Milwaukee will play its group-stage games in this season’s tournament against New York, Chicago, Charlotte and Miami.

The league unveiled the groups for the third year of the tournament, which tips off on Oct. 31. Group play continues through Nov. 28.

The groups:

• East Group A — Cleveland, Indiana, Atlanta, Toronto, Washington.

• East Group B — Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Brooklyn, Philadelphia.

• East Group C — Milwaukee, New York, Chicago, Miami, Charlotte.

• West Group A — Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Sacramento, Phoenix, Utah.

• West Group B — LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Memphis, Dallas, New Orleans.

• West Group C — Houston, Denver, Golden State, Portland, San Antonio.

James Jones hired as Executive Vice President of NBA >> James Jones is joining the NBA front office as executive vice president and head of basketball operations, replacing Joe Dumars in that role.

Jones spent 14 years as a player in the NBA, winning two championships with the Miami Heat and another with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He spent the last seven seasons in the Phoenix Suns’ front office, working for the overwhelming majority of that time as their general manager.

Jones will oversee the NBA’s basketball operations matters, including playing rules and how they are interpreted, player and coach conduct and discipline, along with policies and procedures related to how games are operated. He will report to Byron Spruell, the NBA’s President of League Operations.

Thunder’s Holmgren signs Rookie Max extension >> Chet Holmgren has agreed on a five-year contract extension worth nearly $240 million to remain with the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

It is the second major extension for the Thunder since winning the NBA title last month. The other went to NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP and reigning scoring champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who got a four-year, $285 million extension.