October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How MLB Replay Review Works: Challenges, Umpire Reviews, and Reviewable Plays

MLB replay review covers specified game calls through manager challenges and crew-chief reviews. Here’s how challenge limits, eligible plays, rulings, and the separate 2026 ABS system work.
Length4 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

MLB replay review lets a manager challenge certain on-field calls, while a crew chief can initiate some reviews without a challenge. Replay officials at MLB’s Replay Command Center decide whether to change the call, confirm it, or let it stand. The separate 2026 Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System covers ball-or-strike judgments—not the other plays handled by replay review.

How a manager challenge works

A manager can challenge only a reviewable call. Each club begins an ordinary game with one challenge; each club begins an All-Star Game or postseason game with two, according to MLB’s Manager Challenge glossary. A club keeps its challenge if at least one call it challenges on that play is overturned; if none is overturned, it loses the challenge.

A manager may challenge as many reviewable calls from the same play as desired using that one challenge. The manager must make clear to the umpire which calls are being challenged, but does not have to give a reason.

  1. Immediately after the play, signal that the team is considering a challenge.
  2. Once the umpire is alerted, decide within 15 seconds. MLB’s glossary says the manager must signal immediately and make the decision before that timer expires.
  3. Specify the call or calls being challenged. The replay official reviews only eligible calls.

Who reviews the play and what the ruling means

Replay officials at the Replay Command Center at MLB Advanced Media headquarters in New York conduct the review; MLB describes these officials as 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 Replay Review glossary says officials are expected to decide within two minutes, with some exceptions; this is an expectation, not a guarantee for every review.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Watayo 2 Pcs 4 Wheel Baseball Umpire Clicker, Black Umpire Indicator Gear
  • 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.

The decision to uphold or change a reviewable call is final and cannot be reviewed or revised again. If a call changes, the replay official uses discretion to place the teams in the positions they would have occupied had the correct call been made.

Which plays can be reviewed?

MLB’s Replay Review glossary lists broad eligible categories, but each has conditions. A close call is not automatically reviewable, and the precise scope and exceptions depend on the applicable rule.

Rank #2
Sale
Watayo 6 Pcs 4 Wheel Baseball Umpire Clicker, Black Umpire Indicator Gear
  • 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.
  • Potential home runs: Whether the ball left the field, struck 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, hit a fence or other obstacle, involved fan interference, whether a fielder caught it near a boundary, or whether a boundary decision made the ball dead.
  • 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 following the boundary ruling.
  • Runner interference: Interference by a runner trying to break up a double play.
  • Other listed situations: Eligible outfield catch plays; force and tag plays; touching a base; a runner passing another runner; a hit batter; timing plays; and record-keeping situations.

For the precise limits on a particular play, consult MLB’s current Replay Review glossary and applicable Replay Regulations.

When an umpire can start a review without a challenge

The crew chief may initiate a review of a potential home run at any time. Beginning in the eighth inning, the crew chief may initiate a review of any reviewable call or act on a request from a manager who has no challenges remaining, according to MLB’s Replay Review glossary.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
6 Pcs 4 Wheel Baseball Umpire Clicker, Green Umpire Indicator Umpire Gear
  • 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.

How replay review differs from the 2026 ABS Challenge System

The ABS Challenge System is a separate process for disputing a home-plate umpire’s ball-or-strike judgment. MLB’s 2026 coverage says the pitcher, catcher, or batter may challenge; a manager does not make this kind of challenge. Each club starts with two ABS challenges and retains successful ones. MLB’s 2025 announcement approving the system describes twelve Hawk-Eye cameras tracking pitches and an approximately 15-second challenge process.

Feature Manager replay review ABS Challenge System (2026)
Call covered Specified eligible game plays, such as boundary, catch, force, tag, timing, or record-keeping calls. Ball-or-strike judgments.
Who initiates A manager may challenge; a crew chief can initiate certain reviews. The pitcher, catcher, or batter may challenge.
Starting allowance One per club in an ordinary game; two in an All-Star or postseason game. Two per club.
Retaining a challenge Retained if at least one challenged call on the play is overturned. Successful challenges are retained.
Review process Replay officials at the Replay Command Center review the call. A quick pitch-location review is shown and announced.

MLB’s 2026 coverage says that when an ABS challenge and a replay review are requested at the same time, the ABS challenge is accepted first. If the ABS challenge creates a play that may qualify for replay review, umpires check whether either manager wants to initiate replay review before restarting the pitch clock. That coverage also says ABS challenges are unavailable when a position player is pitching.

Rank #4
Watayo 2 Pcs 4 Wheel Baseball Umpire Clicker, Aluminium Alloy Umpire Indicator Umpire Gear, Silver Practical Baseball Pitch Counter Clicker for Scorekeeper Recording Outs & Innings Balls
  • 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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why older descriptions may list different exclusions

MLB’s March 26, 2014 instant replay FAQ listed checked swings, balks, infield flies, balls and strikes, the neighborhood play at second base, and tagging up on fly balls among calls then excluded from review. That is a historical description, not a current exhaustive exclusion list: MLB’s later Replay Review glossary says tag-up calls became reviewable in 2015. Check the current glossary and regulations for present-day eligibility.

Best Value
Cannon Sports Steel Umpire Indicator, Baseball & Softball (Silver, 2 Pack)
  • 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.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.