MLB Umpire Laz Diaz Makes Worst Verified Strike Call Since 2014

Major League Baseball has recently witnessed several egregious umpiring errors that have reignited debates over the accuracy and fairness of officiating in the sport. One of the most notable recent incidents occurred during a Texas Rangers-Tampa Bay Rays game when veteran umpire Laz Diaz called a strike on a pitch that was 6.83 inches outside the zone, marking the worst strike call recorded by the Umpire Auditor since 2014. This call surpassed the previous infamous strikeout call made by umpire Ángel Hernández, who retired earlier in 2024 amid similar controversies. The growing frequency of such errors, including a controversial strikeout call by umpire Ben May in a Yankees-Angels game, has fueled calls for Major League Baseball to accelerate the implementation of automated ball-strike (ABS) technology, which is already in use in minor leagues and spring training. Fans, players, and analysts argue that human error in umpiring is affecting game outcomes, and AI-driven systems could provide a more consistent and unbiased strike zone. These incidents highlight the ongoing tension between traditional umpiring and technological solutions aimed at preserving the integrity of baseball.