Cody Poteet, Chicago Cubs pitcher, made history during their opening spring game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. He became the first player to challenge a ball/strike call in a major league game when he asked for a review of a fastball to Max Muncy.
Poteet initially thought the low pitch caught the corner of the plate, but the umpire disagreed, calling it a ball. Per MLB rules, Poteet tapped his head to indicate he wanted a review, and the call was reversed. The change resulted in Muncy falling to 0-2 before striking out.
The challenge system is being tested by MLB for the first time during spring training after several years of use in minor leagues. Players can challenge two calls per game, with the ability to retain successful challenges. Poteet, who spent time in the minors last season, was familiar with the system and used it successfully.
The Cubs ultimately won the game 12-4, but the outcome of the challenge was not the only notable moment. Muncy expressed interest in the idea of the challenge system, stating that players must be “hundred percent certain” to challenge a call. The league plans to poll players and coaches after spring training to determine if the system will become permanent.
The technology for the challenge system is currently available at five stadiums in Arizona and eight in Florida, with 60% of Cactus and Grapefruit league games featuring it. MLB has already stated that the system will not be implemented past spring training this year but could become permanent as early as 2026.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43943161/cubs-pitcher-poteet-wins-first-challenge-mlb-abs-test