Stephen Kolek Impresses in Spring Outing as Royals Evaluate ABS Tech

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro offered insight into the team's spring training developments, highlighting pitcher Stephen Kolek's recent outing and the ongoing evaluation of MLB's Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS).

Kolek, a right-hander acquired in the offseason, took the mound in a spring training game as the Royals continue to shape their pitching staff ahead of the regular season. The club's assessment of Kolek's performance comes amid wider league experimentation with ABS technology—an automated system designed to call balls and strikes, aiming to reduce umpiring errors and improve game consistency.

• Kolek showcased solid command during his appearance, building confidence among coaches for his potential role in the rotation.
• ABS was in use for the game, providing immediate feedback to players and staff on how automated calls might impact pitching strategies.

Quatraro's comments centered on both the technical aspects of Kolek's delivery and the broader implications of the ABS system. The manager noted the importance of adapting to the new technology, as pitchers must adjust their approach to account for the automated zone's nuances.

MLB's implementation of ABS in select spring games is part of a multi-year trial that could reshape the future of umpiring. Players and coaches are closely monitoring how the system affects game flow, strike zone accuracy, and player performance. For pitchers like Kolek, mastering the new zone could influence roster decisions and strategic planning.

As spring training progresses, the Royals will continue to evaluate both individual player development and the impact of emerging technology. The integration of ABS represents a significant shift for the sport, with teams like Kansas City at the forefront of the transition.