The Reds are one of a handful of teams with an automatic ball-strike system in spring training, but their manager won’t let them use it.

He figures there’s little point for veterans to use it since the system won’t be in effect in the majors this season.

Reds manager Terry Francona doesn’t see the point of asking his veteran players to utilize the experimental ABS system during spring training.

Reds manager Terry Francona plans to opt out of elective participation in the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge trial during spring training, but is willing to let Cincinnati's minor-league players accustomed to the procedure use challenges.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Terry Francona, the winningest manager in Cleveland history, will not be in the dugout when his new team, the Cincinnati Reds, opens the Cactus League season against the Guardians on Saturday at Goodyear Ballpark.

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said he has told players not to use the experimental automated ball-strike system in spring training.

Terry Francona explained why he's encouraging Reds players not to make any challenges using the ABS system, which MLB is testing during roughly half of spring training games this year.