MLB Umpire Struck in Face Mask by Foul Ball After Controversial Call

CB Bucknor left the game after being hit, continuing a difficult stretch for the veteran umpire.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Veteran MLB umpire CB Bucknor was struck in the face mask by a 100.2 mph foul ball during a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers. The incident came just a day after Bucknor was involved in a controversial missed call. Bucknor had to leave the game and receive medical attention, with another umpire taking over behind the plate.

Why it matters

Umpiring controversies have been a major talking point in MLB this season, with the implementation of the new Automated Ball-Strike System leading to increased scrutiny on officials. Bucknor's recent struggles, including the missed call on Tuesday and now the frightening foul ball incident, highlight the challenges umpires face and the potential risks they take on the field.

The details

In the second inning of Wednesday's game, Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski fired a 100.2 mph fastball that Rays catcher Nick Fortes fouled straight back into Bucknor's face mask. Bucknor was left shaken up and needed medical attention from the Brewers' training staff. First base umpire Chad Fairchild had to come in and take over behind the plate for the rest of the game.

  • On Tuesday, Bucknor made a controversial call, ruling that Brewers player Jake Bauers had missed first base on an infield single, even though replays showed he had clearly stepped on the bag.
  • On Saturday, Bucknor was the home plate umpire as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Boston Red Sox, but six of the eight challenges on his calls were successful.

The players

CB Bucknor

A 26-year veteran MLB umpire who has been at the center of several recent controversies, including a missed call on Tuesday and now being struck in the face mask by a foul ball.

Jacob Misiorowski

The Brewers pitcher who threw the 100.2 mph fastball that struck Bucknor in the face mask.

Nick Fortes

The Rays catcher who fouled the ball back into Bucknor's face mask.

Chad Fairchild

The first base umpire who had to come in and take over behind the plate for the rest of the game after Bucknor was struck.

Jake Bauers

The Brewers player who was the subject of Bucknor's controversial missed call on Tuesday, where he was ruled out for missing first base even though replays showed he had clearly stepped on the bag.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know what happened. I'm just thankful to get on base and thankful to come around and score.”

— Jake Bauers, Brewers Player

“Yeah, grateful for that.”

— Jake Bauers, Brewers Player

What’s next

It is unclear if Bucknor sustained any injuries from being struck in the face mask. MLB officials will likely review the incident and determine if any disciplinary action or rule changes are needed to better protect umpires.

The takeaway

This latest incident involving veteran umpire CB Bucknor highlights the growing challenges and risks that MLB officials face, especially with the implementation of new technologies like the Automated Ball-Strike System. The league will need to carefully consider how to best support and protect its umpires going forward.