Bucknor exits Brewers-Rays game after foul tip to mask
Major League Baseball umpire C.B. Bucknor left the Milwaukee Brewers-Tampa Bay Rays game early on April 1, 2026, after a foul-tipped pitch struck his facemask. The 100.2 mph offering from Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski caught Nick Fortes of the Rays, prompting medical staff to assist the 63-year-old Bucknor in the second inning at American Family Field in Milwaukee. The incident came a day after Bucknor drew criticism for calling Jake Bauers out at first base despite video showing the Cleveland Guardians player's cleat touch the bag.
Bucknor worked home plate amid heightened scrutiny on umpires in the automated ball-strike (ABS) era. The umpiring crew delayed the game several minutes to replace him, continuing with three umpires for the remainder. Brewers catcher William Contreras and Fortes reacted immediately to the hit.
Bucknor has officiated since 1996 and ranks among MLB's two longest-tenured umpires. He worked the 2005 and 2021 All-Star Games, five American League Division Series and two no-hitters. He has exited at least two prior games due to foul tips, including one in 2013.
Milwaukee rallied for six runs in the eighth inning to secure an 8-2 victory, marking its fifth win in six games this season.
