New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu is in favor of a radical addition to MLB's replay review system after a controversial play late in Friday's game.
LeMahieu's line drive in the 10th inning of an eventual 2-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox was called foul by the first base umpire, although replays showed the ball came perilously close to touching the line. The foul call stood after a challenge from manager Aaron Boone, who was summarily ejected after protesting the decision. New York ended up losing 2-1.
(Video source: MLB.com)
LeMahieu, who was also tossed from the game, suggested it's time for MLB to implement electronic technology for fair or foul line calls like tennis has for its line calling.
"Yeah, that'd be nice," he told told Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. "How are we trying to look at a moving video camera to decide if it's fair or foul? We have all the technology you could possibly have in this game. How do you not get stuff like that right? I'm sure they've thought about it."
Any fair-or-foul line call that's challenged by managers is reviewed by MLB's replay officials in New York. However, the league does not use any electronic technology for line calls, a source told Phillips. Rather, officials in the replay room watch all camera angles from broadcasts to decide on a call.
MLB appears ready to expand its use of replay technology in at least one area, as the league plans to officially propose adopting an automated ball-strike system in 2026. It's unclear where the league might stand on adopting an electronic system for the foul lines.
Boone, who claimed "a quarter of the ball" hit the white line, said he hasn't thought about how an electronic line system might look in the majors.
"I think we have so many angles that usually you're able to find what you need," the manager said. "And look, I think replay, for the most part, does a really good job. So maybe. I don't know. I haven't given it that much thought."
