Padres say MLB’s new ‘robot umps’ review system a mix of technology, human element

Mike Shildt knows better than to stand in the way of progress. In the case of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system approved for the 2026 season on Tuesday by Major League Baseball’s joint competition committee, technology could very well save the Padres manager from himself. “I think it’s also going to save managers some money,” Shildt said with a laugh. “We’re going to have to ...