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MLB replay review lets a manager challenge certain calls, while the crew chief can start specific reviews without a challenge. Replay officials at MLB’s Replay Command Center decide whether to change a call, confirm it, or let it stand. Since the 2026 season, ball-or-strike challenges use a separate system: the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System.
How a manager challenges a call
- Signal immediately after the play. The manager tells the umpire that the team is considering a challenge.
- Identify the call or calls. Once the umpire is alerted, a 15-second timer begins. The manager must decide before it expires and make clear which reviewable calls are being challenged. No explanation is required.
- Wait for the review decision. One challenge can cover as many reviewable calls within the same play as the manager chooses.
MLB’s manager-challenge glossary says each club starts an ordinary game with one challenge and an All-Star or postseason game with two. If at least one challenged call is overturned, the club keeps the challenge; if none is overturned, it loses it.
Who reviews the play and what the ruling means
Reviews are handled by replay officials at MLB’s Replay Command Center at MLB Advanced Media headquarters in New York. MLB says those officials are full-time Major League umpires. They may change the call, confirm it, or let it stand when there is not clear and convincing evidence to change it. MLB’s glossary states that officials are expected to decide within two minutes, with some exceptions; it is an expectation, not a guarantee.
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- Package includes: You will get 2 PCS 4 Wheel Umpire Indicator. 4 Way Umpire Indicators is a 3-strike, 4-Ball, 3-out, 9-inning indicator. It's easier to see the red on white numbers when you do night games and the red on white is also fine for day games.
- 4-Way Umpire Indicator: It is a quality product, you could use this for your kids baseball games, strike counts, outs, balls and innings. Very handy for umpires, It can provide them with a good using experience.
- Easy to use: The counter is easy to use and works well, stops and clicks you dont need to worry about switching accidently. It works perfectly and it fits in the palm of your hand, Perfect for umpire softball league umpire.
- Quality materials: Quality pitch count tracker, not easy to damage, lightweight, small size, easy to carry and store, in the pocket is very convenient. The wheels will turn nice, when you give a solid click then you can track pitch count and number of outs without feeling like you have to look at it every time.
- The umpiring's best choice: Utility gifts for sport lovers,you will love keeping score. Great way to keep kids involved in the game when they are on the bench, it fits very nicely in the hand. The dials are large and easy to turn, and the numbers are clear and easy to read.
Which plays can be reviewed?
Eligibility is limited to specified calls, and individual categories have conditions. MLB’s Replay Review glossary describes the following broad areas:
- Home runs: Whether a ball left the field, hit an object, touched the top of a fence or railing, involved fan interference, or was fair or foul.
- Other boundary calls: Whether a live ball left the field of play, hit a fence or obstacle, involved fan interference, was caught near a boundary, or became dead at a boundary.
- Specified fair-or-foul calls: A foul call is reviewable only if the ball first lands at or beyond the set positions of the first- or third-base umpire.
- Tag-ups: Whether a runner left early or properly touched a base after a fly-ball catch.
- Runner placement after a boundary call: Where the batter or runners should be placed.
- Interference on a double-play attempt: Whether a runner interfered while trying to break up a double play.
- Other listed situations: Eligible outfield catches, force and tag plays, touching a base, passing another runner, a hit batter, timing plays, and record-keeping decisions. The exact scope and exceptions depend on the applicable rule.
That list is not a license to challenge every close call. For the exact conditions, consult MLB’s current replay regulations; the glossary summarizes categories rather than every exception.
Rank #2
- Package includes: You will get 6 PCS 4 Wheel Umpire Indicator. 4 Way Umpire Indicators is a 3-strike, 4-Ball, 3-out, 9-inning indicator. It's easier to see the red on white numbers when you do night games and the red on white is also fine for day games.
- 4-Way Umpire Indicator: It is a quality product, you could use this for your kids baseball games, strike counts, outs, balls and innings. Very handy for umpires, It can provide them with a good using experience.
- Easy to use: The counter is easy to use and works well, stops and clicks you dont need to worry about switching accidently. It works perfectly and it fits in the palm of your hand, Perfect for umpire softball league umpire.
- Quality materials: Quality pitch count tracker, not easy to damage, lightweight, small size, easy to carry and store, in the pocket is very convenient. The wheels will turn nice, when you give a solid click then you can track pitch count and number of outs without feeling like you have to look at it every time.
- The umpiring's best choice: Utility gifts for sport lovers,you will love keeping score. Great way to keep kids involved in the game when they are on the bench, it fits very nicely in the hand. The dials are large and easy to turn, and the numbers are clear and easy to read.
When can the crew chief start a review?
The crew chief can initiate a potential home-run review at any time. Beginning in the eighth inning, the crew chief can initiate a review of any reviewable call or act on a request from a manager who has no challenges left. These are umpire-initiated reviews, not extra manager challenges. MLB outlines the authority in its Replay Review glossary.
How the 2026 ABS Challenge System differs
The ABS Challenge System covers a home-plate umpire’s ball-or-strike judgment, not the other game calls handled through replay review. Under MLB’s 2025 announcement, only the pitcher, catcher, or batter may challenge; each club starts with two challenges and keeps successful ones. MLB says the system uses 12 Hawk-Eye cameras and that the process takes approximately 15 seconds. Those are ABS details, not the manager replay timer or challenge allowance.
Rank #3
- Package Includes: You will receive 6 pcs 4 wheel umpire indicator. 4 way umpire counter clicker is a 3-strike, 4-Ball, 3-out, 9-inning indicator that is easy to read, and sufficient quantity to meet normal use and replacement needs.
- 4-Way Umpire Indicator: The umpire clicker umpire gear is a practical product, you could use this for your kids baseball games, counting balls, strikes, outs and innings. It is very convenient for umpires and provides them with a great using experience.
- Easy to Use: The baseball counter clicker is easy to use and works well, stops and clicks you don't need to worry about switching accidently. It works perfectly and it fits in the palm of your hand, ideal choice for umpire softball league umpire.
- Quality Material: The pitch count tracker is made of heavy-duty plastic, not easy to damage, lightweight, small size, easy to carry and store, in the pocket is very convenient. The wheels will turn nice, when you give a solid click then you can track pitch count and number of outs without feeling like you have to look at it every time.
- Umpire's Good Choice: Utility gifts for sport lovers, you will love keeping score. Great way to keep kids involved in the game when they are on the bench, it fits very nicely in the hand. The dials are large and easy to turn, and the numbers are clear and easy to read.
| Feature | Manager replay review | ABS Challenge System |
|---|---|---|
| Call covered | Specified reviewable plays, such as boundary, base-running, catch, force, tag, timing, and record-keeping calls | Ball-or-strike judgment |
| Who initiates | Manager; crew chief may initiate reviews under specified conditions | Pitcher, catcher, or batter |
| Starting allowance | One per club in an ordinary game; two in an All-Star or postseason game, per MLB’s glossary | Two per club, per MLB’s 2025 announcement |
| Retained when | At least one challenged call is overturned | The challenge is successful |
| Where/how decided | Replay officials at MLB’s Replay Command Center review the play | Quick challenge review, with a pitch-location graphic and announcement |
MLB’s 2026 coverage says that if an ABS challenge and replay review are requested at the same time, the ABS challenge is accepted first. If that challenge creates a play that may qualify for replay review, umpires check whether either manager wants replay review before restarting the pitch clock. That coverage also says ABS challenges are not allowed when a position player is pitching.
In its account of 288 Spring Training games, MLB.com and the Arizona Diamondbacks reported an average of 4.1 ABS challenges per game and 13.8 seconds per challenge. These figures describe that Spring Training sample, not the duration or frequency of manager replay reviews. See MLB’s 2026 coverage and the MLB announcement approving ABS for 2026.
Rank #4
- Package Includes: You will receive 2 aluminium alloy 4 wheel alloy umpire indicator; the upgraded materials ensure superior performance. 4 way umpire counter clicker is a 3-strike, 4-Ball, 3-out, 9-inning indicator that is easy to read.
- 4-Way Umpire Indicator: The umpire clicker umpire gear is a practical product, you could use this for your kids baseball games, counting balls, strikes, outs and innings. It is very convenient for umpires and provides them with a great using experience.
- Quality Materials: This pitch counter is made from high quality aluminium alloy, making it durable and resistant to damage. Its compact design makes it easy to store and carry. The dial rotates smoothly, allowing you to easily track pitches and outs with just a gentle flick.
- Easy to Use: The baseball counter clicker is easy to use and works well, stops and clicks you don't need to worry about switching accidently. It works perfectly and it fits in the palm of your hand, ideal choice for umpire softball league umpire.
- Umpire's Good Choice: Utility gifts for sport lovers, you will love keeping score. Great way to keep kids involved in the game when they are on the bench, it fits very nicely in the hand. The dials are large and easy to turn, and the numbers are clear and easy to read.
Why older explanations may list different reviewable plays
MLB’s March 26, 2014 FAQ described checked swings, balks, infield flies, balls and strikes, the neighborhood play at second base, and tag-ups on fly balls as excluded at that time. That is a historical snapshot, not a current list: MLB’s later replay glossary says tag-up calls became reviewable in 2015. Treat the 2014 FAQ as history and check the current glossary for today’s categories.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- PRECISION TRACKING: Easily keep score of the game with four smooth-turning wheels for accurate counts of Strikes, Balls, Outs, and Innings. You'll never miss a crucial play with this reliable indicator by your side.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: Constructed from high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting performance and resistance to rust and corrosion, even in challenging weather conditions. This ensures your indicator will stand up to countless games and seasons.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Features a comfortable, easy-to-grip handle for effortless one-handed operation during fast-paced games. Its thoughtful design allows you to focus on the action, not on fumbling with your equipment.
- CLEAR & LEGIBLE: Clearly marked numbers on each wheel ensure quick visibility for both umpires and scorekeepers, further enhanced by our high-visibility optic yellow dials. Quickly glance at your indicator to confirm the count without interruption.
- COMPACT & PORTABLE: Lightweight and small enough to fit comfortably in your hand or pocket, making it ideal for baseball, softball, and other diamond sports. Take it with you to every game, practice, or scrimmage with ease.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
