NEW YORK (AP) - Major League Baseball’s expanded replay system won’t be expanding to Australia for opening day.
The new replay format that allows managers to challenge most calls by umpires won’t be in place when the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks start the regular season with a two-game series on March 22-23.
The games will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The technology that MLB will use at other games during the regular season won’t be in place for the opener.
“The game has been played the same way for decades, so a few more games probably won’t make a difference. At least I hope they won’t,” Arizona left fielder Mark Trumbo said before Friday’s exhibiton game against Oakland.
“In a perfect world, we would probably have it, but we won’t and we will have to deal with it. It’s just more new technology and you have to adjust,” he said.
Standard replay will be available in Australia for disputed home run and boundary calls under the format in place since 2008.
“Advantages (of replay) are clear, but time will tell. The umpires do a great job. I would hope that not having it in Australia would not affect us. There will probably be a few bang-bang plays, but hopefully we won’t need it those first two games,” Arizona second baseman Aaron Hill said.
MLB is testing out the new system at spring training games in Florida and Arizona. Most calls other than balls-and-strikes are subject to review.
Dodgers players are having a video session to learn about the rules.
“The way it’s been brought to us, we’re just going to play the way we always do. Play normal,” first baseman Adrian Gonzalez said before the Dodgers faced Texas. “The replay thing is for manager and coaches.”
The Dodgers were involved in a replay review on Thursday. Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout was tagged out trying for an inside-the-park home run, and umpires went to replay to be sure Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis didn’t improperly block the plate.
At first, many players and fans thought Angels manager Mike Scioscia was contesting the out call at the plate. Instead, the umpires initiated the review.
“Players are just as confused as the fans,” Dodgers pitcher Dan Haren said.
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AP freelance writers Don Ketchum and Norm Frauenheim contributed to this report.
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