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Umpire CB Bucknor Misses Clear Call, Replay Overturns Ruling
Bucknor's struggles with the new ABS challenge system continue as another of his calls is reversed.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34am by Ben Kaplan
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During a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, umpire CB Bucknor initially ruled that Brewers player Jake Bauers did not touch first base after a play at the bag. However, replay clearly showed Bauers had in fact touched the base, and the call was overturned after a challenge by the Brewers manager. This is the latest in a series of missed calls by Bucknor that have been overturned by the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system implemented by MLB this season.
Why it matters
The ABS challenge system was introduced this year to improve the accuracy of umpiring calls, especially on balls and strikes. Bucknor has struggled with the new system, having multiple calls overturned, which has led to criticism from managers and fans about the reliability of umpiring in MLB games.
The details
In the play in question, Bauers hit a line drive that the Rays' second baseman had trouble fielding. Bucknor initially ruled that Bauers did not touch first base, meaning he was out. However, replay clearly showed Bauers did in fact touch the middle of the base. The Brewers manager challenged the call, and it was quickly overturned.
- The incident occurred during the Brewers-Rays game on April 1, 2026.
The players
CB Bucknor
A veteran MLB umpire who has struggled with the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system this season, having multiple calls overturned.
Jake Bauers
A Milwaukee Brewers player who was initially ruled out at first base by Bucknor, but the call was overturned after a successful challenge by the Brewers manager.
Pat Murphy
The Milwaukee Brewers manager who challenged Bucknor's call that Bauers did not touch first base, leading to the call being overturned.
What they’re saying
“'He has one job to do, it's call balls and strikes. It wasn't his best day. That's what the system does. It's out there. Everybody sees it, and he'll be the first one to accept it. I saw him putting his head down after one of the challenges. We're all human. It's not easy, what we do and what he does.'”
— Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox Manager
What’s next
MLB will likely continue to monitor Bucknor's performance and the effectiveness of the new ABS challenge system as the season progresses.
The takeaway
The introduction of the ABS challenge system has exposed some of the ongoing challenges with umpiring accuracy in MLB, with veteran umpire CB Bucknor struggling to adapt to the new technology. This incident highlights the need for continued improvement and training to ensure consistent and reliable officiating across the league.
