Instant replay debuts Thursday

Wed., Aug. 27, 2008

Associated Press

Major League Baseball reversed its long-standing opposition to instant replay and will allow umpires to check video on home run calls starting Thursday.

The start date comes nearly 10 months after general managers voted 25-5 to use the technology, and following MLB agreements with the unions for umpires and for players.

“I believe that the extraordinary technology that we now have merits the use of instant replay on a very limited basis,” commissioner Bud Selig said. “The system we have in place will ensure that the proper call is made on home run balls and will not cause a significant delay to the game.”

Three series start Thursday, with Philadelphia at the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota at Oakland and Texas at the Los Angeles Angels. For other games, replays will be available to umpires starting Friday.

Clearing the bases

Baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, 69, was released from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, one week after having triple bypass surgery. … The Colorado Rockies placed closer Brian Fuentes on the bereavement list and recalled Steven Register from Triple-A Colorado Springs. … Tampa Bay Rays rookie third baseman Evan Longoria will resume hitting this week as he continues a rehab program for a broken bone in his right wrist. He hopes to return around Monday.

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Instant replay debuts Thursday

Clearing the bases

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