Automatic strike zone coming to AAA in '22

Following three years of testing in an independent league and at the Low-A Minor League level, an automated strike zone is coming to some Triple-A ballparks in 2022.

MLB posted a hiring notice on Thursday for seasonal employees to operate the Automated Ball and Strike system for the Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies' Triple-A affiliate), Charlotte Knights (White Sox), El Paso Chihuahuas (Padres), Las Vegas Aviators (Athletics), Oklahoma City Dodgers, Reno Aces (D-backs), Round Rock Express (Rangers), Sacramento River Cats (Giants), Salt Lake Bees (Angels), Sugar Land Skeeters (Astros) and Tacoma Rainiers (Mariners).

The first professional league to use the ABS system was the independent Atlantic League, which implemented it in 2019 through its partnership with MLB. It was also used that year during Arizona Fall League play.

Following the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the system was used in the Low-A Southeast League in '21. It will continue to be used in that league and will also be utilized at some Spring Training venues in Florida, and potentially in some non-MLB venues as well.