Angels' Ward supports automated strike zone after tough call vs. Astros
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward wants to see an automated strike zone implemented in the majors following a potentially game-alerting call during Thursday's contest against the Houston Astros.
Ward struck out looking on a full count after umpire Stu Scheurwater appeared to miss a ball four that should've resulted in a bases-loaded walk with one out in the sixth inning of a 4-2 game:
Taylor Ward and Phil Nevin are visibly frustrated after a called third strike pic.twitter.com/ls5awkXQcV
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 2, 2023
"I think it would be good," Ward said postgame when asked about an automated strike zone, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. "Or you hold umpires accountable. Whatever it is. There's a lot of good umpires out there. But in certain spots, I think it'd be beneficial. But yeah, an automated strike zone, I'm all in for it."
Angels manager Phil Nevin, who was automatically ejected for arguing, didn't pin the eventual 5-2 loss on the questionable call.
"I don't ever blame an umpire or a call (for) a game," Nevin said. "We had a lot of chances today and we didn't come through. We had a lot of base runners. We left (13) on. Just made some mistakes that cost us."
Not all major leaguers have supported the potential addition of the automated strike zone. New York Yankees right-hander Luis Severino slammed the ABS technology after using it in May during a minor-league rehab start.
ABS is being used at Triple-A this season. However, there's no firm date for Major League Baseball to introduce the change.