Yankees' Severino blasts automated strike zone: 'It sucks'
New York Yankees right-hander Luis Severino isn't a fan of the automated strike zone after experiencing it during his minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
"It sucks," Severino said when asked about the ABS technology used during his May 10 appearance, according to Dan Martin of the New York Post.
The 29-year-old added that the technology gives hitters an advantage over pitchers in Triple-A.
"It's way too small," Severino said. "A hitter can stand there and not swing and be (at) 3-1 every time he's up."
The two-time All-Star also believes ABS will need some adjustments before reaching the majors.
"I don't know how they measure it, but it's not high enough," Severino said. "You'd have to throw it in the middle and down in the zone. (Justin) Verlander is a monster at throwing in the top of the zone. How are you gonna limit that and have a Hall of Famer like him not throw his four-seamer?"
The automated strike zone is being implemented at Triple-A this season. However, there's no firm date for Major League Baseball to introduce the change.
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