Umpire CB Bucknor Leaves Game After Injury

C.B. Bucknor, a veteran Major League Baseball umpire, exited Wednesday’s game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays after being struck in the facemask by a foul ball.

Foul Ball Incident Details

The incident occurred when Tampa Bay Rays’ Nick Fortes fouled a 100.2 mph pitch from Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski. Both Fortes and Brewers catcher William Contreras immediately recognized the severity of the impact.

Game Delay and Crew Adjustment

Brewers training staff attended to Bucknor, who appeared shaken. The game was temporarily delayed while the umpires arranged for a replacement behind the plate, finishing the game with a three-umpire crew.

Recent Controversy and Background

This incident follows a controversial call made by Bucknor on Tuesday night. He ruled a runner out for not touching first base despite clear evidence the runner, Jake Bauers, made contact with the bag.

The call quickly went viral on social media. Bucknor, 63, was working behind the plate on Wednesday, a position under increased scrutiny with the implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike system (ABS).

Game Outcome and Bucknor’s Career

The Milwaukee Brewers ultimately defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 8-2, securing their fifth win in their first six games of the season. Milwaukee scored six runs in the eighth inning to secure the victory.

Bucknor has been an MLB umpire since 1996, officiating the 2005 and 2021 All-Star Games, as well as five American League Division Series. He is one of the two longest-tenured umpires in Major League Baseball and has worked two no-hitters.

This is not the first time Bucknor has left a game due to injury; he previously exited at least two games, including one in 2013 after being hit by a foul tip.