Dodgers News: Don Mattingly Wants Replay Challenge System Changed

During Monday’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the bad end of two calls. Manager Don Mattingly was ejected during the third inning after arguing a balk on Clayton Kershaw. Then later in the game, Ryan Braun was ruled safe on a broken-bat infield single that scored the game-winning run.

The call was upheld after a challenge from acting manager Tim Wallach and though Mattingly wasn’t present when the Braun play occurred, he still had plenty to say about the issue before Tuesday’s game. When speaking with the media, Mattingly brought up the problems he has with the current review system and expressed his desire to remove the human element via J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News:

In order to determine if a play should stand or be be overturned, Mattingly wants the reviewing umpires to come up with their own independent call without considering what the umpires on the field initially called. Since, there is access to 14 different camera angles, Mattingly believes a decision could be reached:

After Braun’s single went to review, umpires determined there was no clear evidence showing Braun was out at first, and the safe call remained. Had Braun been initially ruled out or the call been overturned, the inning would’ve ended with the Dodgers and Brewers tied at 3-3.

Instant replay review first came to the major leagues in 2008 and the current system that allows for managers to challenge was implemented last season. While the intention is to have accurate calls made every time, it’s clear Mattingly believes there’s room to further fine tune the process.

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