Major League Baseball will introduce its automated balls and strikes challenge system at next week’s All-Star Game, expanding the technology beyond minor-league trials. Under the format, each club will receive two challenges that can be activated only by the pitcher, catcher or batter. Successful appeals allow teams to retain the challenge, mirroring procedures used this season in Triple-A parks. The showcase game roster is drawing scrutiny after New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto was left off the National League squad. The exclusion costs Soto a $100,000 contractual bonus tied to All-Star selection. “I think it’s a lot of money on the table if I make it,” the three-time All-Star said. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza called the omission surprising, describing Soto as “our MVP.”