A formal vote on MLB's expanded instant replay system will not occur until the next set of owners meetings in November, but the league is moving forward conceptually on a challenge-based system in which managers would be able to ask for video review several times per game. Managers would get a challenge opportunity once in the first six innings of each game, and then two more from the 7th inning to the end of each game. Challenges would be permitted on a long and still-developing list of reviewable plays, estimated to cover about 89% of generally disputed on-field situations.
"This is a historic moment," said Braves President John Schuerholz, part of a subcommittee that has worked for months on the replay issue. "For the first time, managers are empowered to challenge plays that affect them." Schuerholz said a more centralized replay model used in basketball and hockey was actively considered. But he said the new plan "is a happy balance that will retain the uniqueness and charm of baseball." The current, umpire-led format for reviewing home run and boundary calls is being grandfathered into the new system.
