BREAKING: MLB owners approve funding for instant replay expansion next season

Thursday afternoon, Major League Baseball owners voted to approve funding for instant replay expansion next season. According to FOX Sports and MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal, approval of players’ and umpires’ union is fully expected.

Mandatory Credit: Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

New review procedures for expanded instant replay were used in five Arizona Fall League (AFL) games that were televised live on MLB Network from Tuesday, November 5th through Saturday, November 9th.

Providing a small sample size with game-tested replay evidence helped MLB owners decision making in approving funding.

"“The opportunity to test our ideas under game conditions with future Major Leaguers will be an important next step,” Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz said. “We look forward to examining new perspectives generated by play on the field and learning what modifications might prove beneficial before our committee issues our formal recommendation later this off-season.”"

MLB Executive Vice President Joe Torre, and Special Assistant to the Commissioner Tony LaRussa were on site during the AFL games along with select MLB officials and Major League Umpires to observe. The longest review took just under two minutes on a trapped outfield catch while other reviews lasted a minute on base-running calls.

Rosenthal also reported that MLB Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred said in-game video on stadium boards in conjunction with expanded replay.

This may prove to be changeling at Wrigley Field until the proposed jumbotron as apart of renovations is installed.

For more Chicago Cubs conversation and updates follow us on Twitter @CubbiesCrib and Like our Facebook page at Cubbies Crib.