KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WIBW) – The Kansas City Royals are adjusting to change this season with the MLB\u2019s new Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) and closer outfield fences at Kauffman Stadium. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This technology was tested during spring training last year and in the minor leagues in 2022. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got to use it wisely,\u201d Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone said of the strategy. \u201cAs a staff and as players, we\u2019ve talked about it a good bit, so I think we have a pretty good plan with how to use them.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cI like it because you feel a little bit protected at the plate from the egregious calls,\u201d Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino added. \u201cUmpires will tell you too that they know when they miss calls.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shorter fences at Kauffman Stadium<\/p>\n
The Royals also moved their fences in this season. Team officials say they wanted to see more home runs hit and robbed. <\/p>\n
The fences moved inward 9-10 feet, and the height decreased from 10 feet down to 8.5 feet. <\/p>\n
Most Homeruns hit at MLB stadiums (as of Sunday, April 5)<\/p>\n
Minute Maid Park – Astros (21)American Field Field – Brewers (19)T-3: Great American Ballpark – Reds (15)T-5: Kauffman Stadium – Royals (13)<\/p>\n
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