KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WIBW) – The Kansas City Royals are adjusting to change this season with the MLB’s new Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) and closer outfield fences at Kauffman Stadium.
The challenge system aims to give players the chance to dispute strike-zone calls from umpires. Each team gets two challenges a game. Players can challenge these calls immediately after a pitch with no input from the dugout.
This technology was tested during spring training last year and in the minor leagues in 2022.
“You’ve got to use it wisely,” Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone said of the strategy. “As a staff and as players, we’ve talked about it a good bit, so I think we have a pretty good plan with how to use them.”
“I like it because you feel a little bit protected at the plate from the egregious calls,” Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino added. “Umpires will tell you too that they know when they miss calls.”
Shorter fences at Kauffman Stadium
The Royals also moved their fences in this season. Team officials say they wanted to see more home runs hit and robbed.
The fences moved inward 9-10 feet, and the height decreased from 10 feet down to 8.5 feet.
Most Homeruns hit at MLB stadiums (as of Sunday, April 5)
Minute Maid Park – Astros (21)American Field Field – Brewers (19)T-3: Great American Ballpark – Reds (15)T-5: Kauffman Stadium – Royals (13)
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