Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez uses ABS challenge to counter blown calls

Suarez successfully challenged two strike three calls by umpire C.B. Bucknor, who had a rough day behind the plate

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suárez used the new ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenge system to overturn two erroneous strike three calls made by home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor during Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Bucknor had a total of six pitch calls overturned out of eight challenges, highlighting the benefits of the new technology for players and fans. However, a controversial check swing call that went against the Red Sox was not reviewable, leading to the ejection of Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

Why it matters

The introduction of the ABS challenge system has been a major focus of MLB's efforts to improve the accuracy and consistency of umpiring. Suárez's successful challenges demonstrate how the new technology can help correct obvious mistakes, though the limitations around check swing calls remain an area of concern.

The details

With a 1-2 count and two outs in the 8th inning, Suárez challenged two strike three calls by Bucknor that were shown to be incorrect by the ABS system. The crowd at Great American Ballpark cheered as the calls were overturned, though Suárez ultimately grounded out on the next pitch. Overall, Bucknor had six of his pitch calls overturned out of eight challenges during the game.

  • The incidents occurred during Saturday's game between the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox.

The players

Eugenio Suárez

The Cincinnati Reds' third baseman who successfully challenged two strike three calls by umpire C.B. Bucknor using the new ABS system.

C.B. Bucknor

The home plate umpire who had a total of six of his pitch calls overturned out of eight challenges during the game.

Alex Cora

The Boston Red Sox manager who was ejected from the game after arguing a controversial check swing call that went against his team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He has one job to do, it's (to) 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. And we're all human. It's not easy, what we do and what he does.”

— Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The series between the Reds and Red Sox will be decided in the rubber game on Sunday, with Boston's Connelly Early and Cincinnati's Rhett Lowder scheduled to start.

The takeaway

The ABS challenge system has proven effective in correcting obvious umpiring mistakes, as demonstrated by Suárez's successful challenges against Bucknor. However, the limitations around check swing calls remain an area that MLB will need to address to fully realize the benefits of this new technology.