John Smoltz weighs in on the impact of replay assistance in sports

Replay assistance and how it shapes game flow has become a peripheral but real consideration for MLB DFS players building slates. When games feature frequent replay reviews—especially in high-leverage situations—the pace of play slows, which can compress run-scoring windows and shift the rhythm of a game's momentum. John Smoltz, who pitched in an era before instant replay, offers perspective on how the mechanic has altered baseball's strategic and temporal landscape. For DFS purposes, a slower game pace can reduce total runs scored relative to pre-game implied totals, particularly in close games where managers are more likely to challenge.

The optimizer weighs game pace and total as foundational inputs to player projection, but replay reviews introduce variance that's harder to model ex-ante. A pitcher like a workhorse starter might benefit from fewer interruptions to his rhythm, while a relief pitcher entering a tight game could see his appearance delayed or shortened if reviews extend innings. Smoltz's commentary underscores a truth that sharps already incorporate: baseball's flow is no longer purely about talent and matchup—it's also about administrative decisions that weren't part of the sport even fifteen years ago. If a slate features a team that tends to challenge calls or plays in a park with historically high review frequency, that context can nudge ownership and fade leverage in subtle ways.

For a V12 user locking lineups on a slate where replay decisions might be a factor—think a playoff game or a matchup involving a manager known for aggressive challenges—the play is to verify game total against pace data from similar situations. Check whether your projected ceiling for a particular pitcher or hitter assumes normal game flow, then adjust exposure if you expect delays. Late swap flexibility becomes especially valuable in these scenarios; confirm lineup viability closer to first pitch, when you'll have better visibility on actual game conditions and any pre-game confirmations about crew assignments or review trends.