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MLB restricts dugout iPad use to prevent AI help with strategy. Ottavino says Mets were involved
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
Major League Baseball is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to prevent the tablets from running artificial intelligence to help make strategy decisions, and former reliever Adam Ottavino said the New York Mets' use of technology helped prompt the move.The tablets have access to video and league-pr...
Key takeaway The memo, first reported by The Athletic, was obtained by The Associated Press.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio baseball fans may be interested to know that the MLB's decision to restrict iPad use in dugouts could have implications for the way their favorite teams approach strategy. While the San Antonio Missions, the city's minor league team, are not directly affected by this rule change, the shift towards more traditional decision-making could trickle down to the minor leagues. As the MLB navigates the role of technology in the game, local fans may see a greater emphasis on player and coach intuition, rather than reliance on artificial intelligence. This could lead to a more dynamic and unpredictable game, with teams relying on experience and instinct to make in-game decisions. As the second half of the season gets underway, San Antonio baseball enthusiasts will be watching to see how this change plays out and how it might impact the game they love.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Major League Baseball is restricting iPad usage in dugouts to prevent the tablets from running artificial intelligence to help make strategy decisions, and former reliever Adam Ottavino said the New York Mets' use of technology helped prompt the move.The tablets have access to video and league-pr...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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