MLB Umpire CB Bucknor Has 6 Calls Overturned in Embarrassing ABS Moment

Bucknor's struggles with MLB's new Automated Ball-Strike System were on full display during a Red Sox-Reds game.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:03am

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Veteran MLB umpire CB Bucknor had a rough outing during a Red Sox-Reds game, with six of his calls being overturned by the league's new Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) technology. Bucknor also ejected Red Sox manager Alex Cora after a heated argument over a controversial check-swing call. The incident highlighted the challenges umpires face in adapting to the new automated strike zone system.

Why it matters

The introduction of ABS technology in MLB has been a major point of discussion, with some umpires struggling to adapt to the new system that can overrule their calls. Bucknor's high number of overturned calls in a single game underscores the growing pains the league is experiencing as it transitions to more automated officiating.

The details

During the Red Sox's 6-5, 11-inning loss to the Reds, Bucknor had eight calls challenged, with six of them being overturned by the ABS system. Two of the overturned calls came on back-to-back pitches in the sixth inning, much to the delight of the Reds' home crowd. Later in the eighth inning, Bucknor's controversial check-swing call on Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story led to a heated exchange with manager Alex Cora, resulting in Cora's ejection.

  • On March 28, 2026, during a Red Sox-Reds game in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The players

CB Bucknor

A veteran MLB umpire who has been a member of a major-league umping crew since 1999.

Eugenio Suarez

The Reds' third baseman who successfully challenged consecutive strike-three calls against Boston rookie Ryan Watson.

Ryan Watson

A Boston Red Sox rookie pitcher who had two of his strike calls overturned by the ABS system.

Trevor Story

The Boston Red Sox shortstop who argued with umpire CB Bucknor over a controversial check-swing call.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox who was ejected after arguing with umpire CB Bucknor.

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What they’re saying

“It was like 'Oh man, that's two in a row.' But yeah, just tried to take a deep breath and get back in the zone.”

— Ryan Watson, Boston Red Sox pitcher

“That's probably the loudest I've heard a stadium while pitching. So it was intense, for sure.”

— Ryan Watson, Boston Red Sox pitcher

“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.”

— Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox manager

What’s next

MLB officials are expected to review Bucknor's performance and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted. The league will also continue to monitor the implementation of the ABS system and make adjustments as needed to improve the accuracy and consistency of ball-strike calls.

The takeaway

The high number of overturned calls by the ABS system during this game highlights the challenges umpires face in adapting to new technology, as well as the growing pains the league is experiencing as it transitions to more automated officiating. This incident underscores the need for continued training and refinement of the ABS system to ensure fair and consistent enforcement of the strike zone.