Xander Bogaerts, the renowned shortstop for the San Diego Padres, is among the players eagerly awaiting the implementation of the new challenge system for balls and strikes in the upcoming MLB season. However, Bogaerts regrets that this technology was not available earlier, especially after a key play in the game against the Cubs. In the third game of the National League Wild Card Series, Bogaerts was struck out after a pitch that appeared to be outside the strike zone. This incident occurred in the ninth inning, at a crucial moment in the game. The Cubs were leading 3-0. Jackson Merrill hit a home run to cut San Diego’s lead to 3-1, which brought Bogaerts to the plate. With a 3-2 count, a 97 mph pitch from Brad Keller seemingly missed the zone, which drew disbelief from Bogaerts and a quick reaction from manager Mike Shildt. After this incident, Keller hit Ryan O’Hearn and Bryce Johnson. If Bogaerts had walked, the bases would have been loaded with no outs. Andrew Kittredge entered the game and managed to retire the next two batters, securing the Cubs’ victory.
The automated ball-strike system will be implemented in Major League Baseball next season, following years of testing in the minor leagues and in this year’s All-Star Game. The MLB competition committee voted last month to grant teams two challenges per game using the ABS if they believe an umpire’s call is incorrect. The loss tarnished a 90-win season for San Diego, which reached the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons. Bogaerts summarized the season with these words:What do you want me to talk about now? It was a ball. It ruined the whole game, you know? I can’t go back, and talking about it now won’t change anything. It was bad, and thank God for ABS next year, because this is terrible.
Xander Bogaerts
