MLB testing new replay rules in the Arizona Fall League

June 2, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Third base umpire Jim Joyce upholds a call on the field during a replay during a game between the Houston Astros and Cincinnati Reds in the third inning at Minute Maid Park.   Replay to be test in the Arizona Fall League.  Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

For the past few months, there have been several reports of MLB going to start using new replay rules for the 2014 season.  The 2013 postseason gave a few examples of why replay again is needed, along with countless regular season games.

Major League Baseball on November 1 announce that testing would begin in the Arizona Fall League.  MLB will test the new instant replay rules in the 5 upcoming games from November 5 through November 9.  Those 5 games will be aired on MLB Network and also available on MLB.TV.

During those 5 games, there should be plenty of challenges from managers.  These games will be the experimental grounds to test the replay procedures and because of that, managers will be allowed to challenge any play they feel is close enough to review.  Once the replay rules are in place, there will be limits for the managers.

How will the expanded replay work?  Managers will given challenges that are split up.  Managers will be allowed to do one challenge in the first 6 innings and another from the 7th inning and on.  Unlike the current system where the on field umpires review the home runs, replays will be reviewed by the Major League Baseball’s main office in New York City.  If the manger wins the challenge, he will keep his challenge.  Once a manager has used up all of their challenges, then the only plays that are reviewable are home runs.  One thing that the league will not be testing this week in the Arizona Fall League is the replay reviews in New York City.  For the testing period, replays will be handled by the umpires on the field with the equipment at the ballpark.

Which plays will be reviewed?  For the most part, almost all plays will be allowed to be reviewed.  According to MLB, 89% of plays will be allowed to be reviewed.   The main plays that are not allowed to be review will be balls and strike calls at the plate.  Also, if a manager wants to question a non-reviewable play, he is still allowed to ask the umpires to meet to discuss the play and make a decision on the call.  Most recently that was done in the World Series Game 1 when Pete Komza missed a catch at second.

What are some of the worst calls in MLB history?  Read more here.

When to watch the Arizona Fall League games:

• November 5 at 9 ET – Mesa Solar Sox at Salt River Rafters
• November 6 at 9 ET – Salt River Rafters at Scottsdale Scorpions
• November 7 at 9 ET – Scottsdale Scorpions at Salt River Rafters
• November 8 at 9 ET – Glendale Desert Dogs at Scottsdale Scorpions
• November 9 at 8 ET – Peoria Javelinas at Salt River Rafters