MLB switching to challenge system full-time for robot umpires experiment at Triple-A

NEW YORK — Baseball’s top minor leagues are switching to a challenge system full-time for their test of robot umpires. Starting June 25, only the challenge system will be used, according to a memo sent Tuesday from MLB vice president of on-field strategy Joe Martinez to farm directors and Triple-A managers that was obtained by The Associated Press. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last month robot umpires were unlikely to come to the major leagues for 2025 and refinements were needed. In data accompanying the memo, MLB said 61% of staff and players prefer the challenge system and 11% liked the full robot system.