Robot Ump Question

[MarCakes21]

So I just got done reading a funny article about Jason Heywards little brother getting ejected by arguing balls and strikes with a robot called strike.

 

https://www.12up.com/posts/jason-heywards-brother-ejected-for-arguing-with-robot-umpire-video-01dqbcx5rggk/partners/40030?fbclid=IwAR25qYr7VAn2BLEnr-QHsSB_VM5720WzhMhqbILPPjTUi1cLGAqTzOIDy74

 

But this got me thinking about another question.  Is there a mandate that teams play with a catcher?  Because in reality, with no one on base, and less than 2 strikes, legitimately no one even needs to frame and present pitches for the umpire to see anymore.  With 2 strikes you need him for drop ball 3rd strike.  With men on, obviously for steals.  But you could get an extra defender somewhere with less than 2 strikes.  Has anyone in the rules committees thought about this?

[TGO]

You are required to have a catcher. Weirdly, the rules don't expressly say that, but they are written to imply that. For example, the rules prescribe a place where the catcher must be at the start of a play (behind home plate). 

 

5.02 Fielding Positions

When the ball is put in play at the start of, or during a game, all fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory.

(a) The catcher shall station himself directly back of the plate. He may leave his position at any time to catch a pitch or make a play except that when the batter is being given an intentional base on balls, the catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher’s box until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.

PENALTY: Balk.

(b) The pitcher, while in the act of delivering the ball to the batter, shall take his legal position;

(c) Except the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may station himself anywhere in fair territory.