Computer Strike Call Prompts Navas' AFL Ejection

A strike three call by the Automated Ball/Strike System produced an Arizona Fall League ejection as HP Umpire Jose Navas ejected Giants prospect Jacob Heyward after a computer-generated strikeout at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick and subsequent protest from the struck-out batter.

With one out and one on (R2) for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the top of the 4th inning of the Scorpions-River Rafters game, Scorpions batter Heyward took a 1-2 curveball from River Rafters pitcher Dakota Chalmers for a called third strike care of the AFL's electronic ABS system.

In September, River Rafters batsman Geraldo Perdomo argued a strike three call by ABS as conveyed by HP Umpire Eric Bacchus, though that did not result in an ejection. The Atlantic League's TrackMan ABS experiment, on the other hand, did produce a few ejections.
Related Post: Arizona Fall Testing Automated Ball/Strike System (9/27/19).

Replays indicate the 1-2 pitch to Heyward was located around the outer edge of home plate and around the batter's hollow-beneath-the-kneecap (data not provided) before quickly dropping into the catcher's mitt atop the dirt, the call was irrecusable (though certainly unexpected, as indicated by the catcher who double-clutched his throw back to the mound upon Navas' delayed strike three mechanic). At the time of the ejection, the Scorpions were leading, 2-0. The Scorpions ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

Wrap: Scottsdale Scorpions vs Salt River Rafters (AFL), 10/15/19 | Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Expected ball called strike by ABS riles Heyward, who is tossed (CCS)