Robot umpire debuts at All-Star Game as Cal Raleigh wins historic first challenge

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history Tuesday night by successfully executing the first robot umpire challenge in MLB All-Star Game. In the opening inning at Truist Park, Raleigh triggered a challenge using the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), overturning a ball call into a strike to complete a strikeout of Manny Machado for Detroit’s Tarik Skubal.

"You take ’em any way you can get ’em, boys," Skubal quipped, as Raleigh tapped his helmet to initiate the review - one of MLB’s first live uses of ABS during a game. The play was confirmed by computer animation shown on the stadium scoreboard and the FOX broadcast.



Later in the game, Oakland rookie Jacob Wilson also made successful use of the system, challenging a called strike in the fifth inning and having it overturned to a ball against Washington’s MacKenzie Gore.

Skubal, who had just surrendered a two-run double to Ketel Marte, used the review system to his advantage, getting back on track with Machado. "I think it’s a strike," Raleigh said, mic’d up during the moment.

Despite his success, Skubal said he wouldn’t lean on challenges if the system is implemented in the regular season, expected as early as 2026. "I’m just going to assume that it’s going to happen next year," he said.

Commissioner Rob Manfred voiced support for continued ABS testing, citing its efficiency and accuracy. However, MLBPA chief Tony Clark raised concerns over the half-inch margin of error and its implications on gameplay and challenge strategy.