07/17/26 12:55:00
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07/17 12:52 CDT MLB restricts dugout iPad use to prevent use of AI to make
decisions
MLB restricts dugout iPad use to prevent use of AI to make decisions
NEW YORK (AP) --- Major League Baseball is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to
prevent the tablets from running artificial intelligence to help make decisions.
The tablets have access to video and league-provided data, and also included a
custom tab where teams could access other programs. MLB made the custom tabs
inaccessible to teams starting Wednesday night, when the second half of the
season started.
"In many cases, the custom tab had expanded the use of the dugout iPads beyond
their originally intended purpose to include recommendations regarding
substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by
players and coaches," MLB executive vice president of baseball operations
Morgan Sword wrote in a June 11 memo to general managers, assistant GMs and
video coordinators.
The memo, first reported by The Athletic, was obtained by The Associated Press.
A review by the competition committee found clubs had been compliant with the
regulations.
"Instituting this prohibition beginning with the second half of the season is
intended to provide clubs that have relied on the custom tab with appropriate
lead-time to make any necessary adjustments," Sword wrote.
MLB started a pilot program allowing use of iPads in dugouts with restrictions
late in the 2015 season and expanded their use in 2016 under a deal with Apple.
Video was eliminated in the 2020 COVID season following the Houston Astros'
sign-stealing scandal, then returned in 2021.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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