The demand for a digital strike zone has become increasingly evident, especially with the prevalence of digital strike zones shown during game broadcasts that highlight missed calls.

In 2020, MLB implemented the ABS system during some spring training games, and The Washington Post reported that year that Commissioner Rob Manfred was hoping to implement the automated strike zone in the major leagues within the next three seasons. The Arizona Fall League and Class Low-A Southeast League both implemented the system in 2021.

This offseason, Major League Baseball posted jobs for ABS techs for operating equipment at select spring training venues as well as Class AAA West and Low-A Southeast sites, hinting at the continued use of the system moving forward.

“We believe, over the long haul, it’s going to be more accurate,” Manfred said in 2020. “It will reduce controversy in the game and be good for the game. We think — we think it’s more accurate than a human being standing there.”

The extended pitcher’s mound, on the other hand, didn’t necessarily provide the change that MLB was looking for. That change was made in an attempt to increase contact and action on the base paths, but the Atlantic League said in its announcement Thursday that the results of the extended pitcher’s mound were inconclusive, prompting the return back to the original length.

The Post interviewed Atlantic League pitchers, pitching coaches and managers about the change last year, and while pitchers said they didn’t notice the difference as they were pitching, they did acknowledge that the distance was creating a physical toll.