MLB, MLBPA approve use of expanded instant replay system

Although Major League Baseball owners approved the use of expanded instant replay back in November, both the Major League Baseball Players Association and the Umpires Union needed to approve the deal as well.

They did so today, meaning expanded replay use will be available for the 2014 regular season and postseason.

Per MLB.com:

"The 30 Clubs of Major League Baseball have unanimously approved the expansion of instant replay, which will be in effect for the 2014 Championship Season and the 2014 Postseason. The historic announcement was made this afternoon, at the conclusion of MLB’s quarterly owners meetings.Both the Major League Baseball Players Association and the World Umpires Association have given their consent to the game’s new protocols for instant replay."

The new rules will allow managers one challenge per game. If they are successful on their challenge, they are given one more. If unsuccessful, they are out of challenges. In addition, similar to NFL football ‘two minute rule’, after the 7th innings all plays will be subject to review.

The following type of plays can be reviewed:

Home run
Ground rule double
Fan interference
Stadium boundary calls (e.g., fielder into stands, ball into stands triggering dead ball)
Force play (except the fielder’s touching of second base on a double play)
Tag play (including steals and pickoffs)
Fair/foul in outfield only
Trap play in outfield only
Batter hit by pitch
Timing play (whether a runner scores before a third out)
Touching a base (requires appeal)
Passing runners
Record keeping (Ball-strike count to a batter, outs, score, and substitutions)

Anything else, including balls and strikes, are non-reviewable.