MLB umpires will use microphones to announce replay review decisions

Major League Baseball umpires will now use microphones to announce replay review decisions for the benefit of fans in the stadium, the league announced Friday.

The move will help clear up any confusion and ambiguity regarding reviews, which can result in one of three rulings: upheld, overturned, or confirmed. In some cases, the replay review process deems that the on-field umpire had a clearer view of the play, and they don't have enough video evidence to overturn or confirm the call.

MLB's managerial challenge system for replay review was originally installed for the 2014 season. Since then, the process has seen a number of changes, including a more restrictive time limit on managers issuing a challenge, as well as allowing skippers to issue a challenge directly from the dugout via hand signal instead of coming out to speak to the crew chief.

The National Football League has had referees make announcements regarding on-field decisions, including challenges and penalties, for decades. The National Hockey League and National Basketball Association have also adopted these systems in recent years.