MLB restricts using dugout iPads for AI-assisted in-game strategy - ESPN
MLB disallowing AI usage on iPads in dugout
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MLB disallowing AI usage on iPads in dugout<br>2h
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Associated Press
Multiple Authors
Jul 17, 2026, 02:10 PM ET
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NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to prevent the tablets from running artificial intelligence to help make decisions.<br>The tablets have access to video and league-provided data, and also included a custom tab where teams could access other programs. MLB made the custom tabs inaccessible to teams starting Wednesday night, when the second half of the season started.<br>"In many cases, the custom tab had expanded the use of the dugout iPads beyond their originally intended purpose to include recommendations regarding substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches," MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword wrote in a June 11 memo to general managers, assistant GMs and video coordinators.<br>Editor's Picks<br>Passan: MLB labor dispute loomed over this year's All-Star festivitiesJeff Passan
The memo, first reported by The Athletic, was obtained by The Associated Press.<br>A review by the competition committee found clubs had been compliant with the regulations.<br>"Instituting this prohibition beginning with the second half of the season is intended to provide clubs that have relied on the custom tab with appropriate lead-time to make any necessary adjustments," Sword wrote.<br>MLB started a pilot program allowing use of iPads in dugouts with restrictions late in the 2015 season and expanded their use in 2016 under a deal with Apple. Video was eliminated in the 2020 COVID season following the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, then returned in 2021.