MLB looking at electronic system for calling pitches

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Imagine Clayton Kershaw on the mound in Game 7 of the World Series, peering in at his catcher at a big moment. And his catcher flashes ... no sign at all.

That day could be coming very soon.

Major League Baseball is stepping up its experimentation with an electronic communication channel for pitchers and catchers. After trying out the PitchCom system at Low-A West in the second half of last season, big league clubs are tinkering with the technology during spring training.

If the development is met with widespread acclaim, the system could be used in the majors this year. But the current plan is to work it in at the Double-A level this summer.

“Very much in favor. I think it speeds the game up,” said Tony La Russa, the 77-year-old Hall of Fame manager of the Chicago White Sox. “Wondering, hoping they make it official. But our experience has been a good one.”

With the PitchCom system, the catcher wears a wristband with nine buttons for calling the pitch and location. There is a receiver in the pitcher's cap, and another one in the catcher's helmet. Multiple languages are available for the encrypted channel.

No need for traditional signs — forget the wiggling fingers.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone even tried a little experiment with the experiment. An hour before Saturday's game against Atlanta, he told starting pitcher Luis Severino they would try the system with catcher Kyle Higashioka.

“We sprung it on Sevie at 12:15 before he was going out. He was game for it but we sprung it on him, no hiccups. No problems, and that’s our first game doing it, so that’s good thing. Hopefully it’s something that we can get better at doing," Boone said.

Severino seemed fine, too, pitching four innings of