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MLB restricts dugout iPad use to prevent use of AI to make decisions

Major League Baseball is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to prevent the tablets from running artificial intelligence to help make decisions.

By AP·Jul 17·japantoday.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

MLB is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to prevent the use of AI to make decisions, citing concerns that teams were using the tablets to make recommendations on substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions.

Why it matters

This development matters to baseball fans and enthusiasts of technology, as it highlights the ongoing debate about the role of AI in sports and the need for fair play.

Imagine you're playing a game of baseball with your friends. You're all trying to make good decisions to win the game, but one of your friends has a special tool that helps them make better decisions. That's kind of what was happening in professional baseball, where teams were using iPads to help them make decisions. But the league decided to stop this because it's not fair to the other teams.

Analysis

A Restrictive Measure to Prevent Unfair Advantage

Major League Baseball's decision to restrict iPad usage in dugouts is a significant move to prevent teams from using artificial intelligence to gain an unfair advantage. The tablets, which have access to video and league-provided data, were being used by teams to make recommendations on substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions. This has raised concerns about the potential for AI to be used to manipulate the game and create an uneven playing field.

The Background of iPad Usage in Dugouts

MLB started a pilot program allowing the use of iPads in dugouts with restrictions late in the 2015 season and expanded their use in 2016 under a deal with Apple. However, the use of iPads in dugouts has been a topic of controversy, with some teams using them to gain an unfair advantage. The Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal in 2020 highlighted the potential for teams to use technology to gain an edge.

The Impact of Restricting iPad Usage

The restriction on iPad usage in dugouts is intended to provide teams with a level playing field and prevent the use of AI to make decisions. This move is seen as a step towards promoting fair play and ensuring that the game is played with integrity. However, it remains to be seen how teams will adapt to this new restriction and whether it will have a significant impact on the game.

Key points

  • MLB is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to prevent the use of AI to make decisions.
  • The restriction is intended to provide teams with a level playing field and prevent the use of AI to make decisions.
  • The move is seen as a step towards promoting fair play and ensuring that the game is played with integrity.
  • Teams will need to adapt to this new restriction and find alternative ways to make decisions.
  • The impact of this move on the game remains to be seen.
The Upside

This move by MLB could lead to a more level playing field and promote fair play in the game. It may also encourage teams to focus on developing their own strategies and decision-making skills, rather than relying on technology.

The Downside

The restriction on iPad usage in dugouts may lead to a decrease in the use of technology in the game, which could make the game less exciting and less competitive. It may also create a disadvantage for teams that were relying on the use of iPads to gain an edge.

Originally reported at

japantoday.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsmlbbaseballaisportstechnology

Author

AP

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 17, 2026

Source

japantoday.com

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Topics

mlbbaseballaisportstechnology

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