MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says there is 'growing consensus' for automated strike zone

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The debate about automated balls and strikes continues to be a hot one, and it seems it's coming to the majors sooner rather than later.

The thought was unimaginable even within the last decade, but as technology has improved, interest has increased.

Automated strike zones were a hot topic on an episode of the now-defunct "Real Sports" on HBO in 2017, but Major League Baseball finally acted in 2019.

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Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks to the media at Grapefruit League media day in Dunedin, Fla., Feb. 16, 2023. (Jonathan Dyer/USA Today Sports)

The automated balls and strikes (ABS) system started on an experimental basis and, beginning last year, has been used at all Triple-A ballparks.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has hinted the change is coming to the big leagues, but he made some telling comments Thursday.

"There’s a growing consensus, in large part based on what we’re hearing from players that the challenge form should be the form of ABS, if and when we bring it to the big leagues, at least as a starting point," Manfred said, via The Athletic.

Officials in all sports have come under more scrutiny as replays have become more prevalent.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. speaks to the media during the spring training Cactus League media day at Arizona Biltmore Feb. 15, 2023, in Phoenix, Ariz. (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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Manfred has been at the forefront of major changes to baseball, most notably those he made ahead of the 2023 season to quicken the