Reds, Eugenio Suarez challenge umpire CB Bucknor on ABS calls

Cincinnati slugger Suarez successfully overturned two strike calls in a single at-bat against the veteran umpire.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:06pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the conflicts arising from the implementation of automated ball-strike systems.A cubist interpretation of the tensions between players, umpires, and new automated technology in baseball.Cincinnati Today

In a Saturday game, Cincinnati Reds slugger Eugenio Suarez challenged two strike calls made by veteran umpire CB Bucknor, successfully overturning both decisions through the league's automated ball-strike (ABS) system. The sequence highlighted tensions between players, umpires, and the new technology being implemented across Major League Baseball.

Why it matters

The use of automated ball-strike technology has been a point of contention in baseball, with some players and coaches criticizing the system's accuracy and impact on the game. This incident showcases how the new ABS challenges can undermine the authority of umpires, potentially creating friction between players, umpires, and league officials.

The details

In the sixth inning, Suarez faced a 1-2 count and was called out on strikes by Bucknor. Suarez immediately tapped his head to initiate an ABS challenge, and the call was overturned. On the very next pitch, Bucknor again called Suarez out on strikes, but Suarez again challenged the call, which was again overturned by the ABS system.

  • The incident occurred in the sixth inning of the Reds' game on Saturday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A slugging third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds who successfully challenged two strike calls by umpire CB Bucknor using the league's automated ball-strike (ABS) system.

CB Bucknor

A veteran MLB umpire who had two of his strike calls overturned by the ABS system during the game against the Reds.

Cincinnati Reds

The MLB team that saw its player, Eugenio Suarez, successfully challenge the umpire's calls using the new ABS technology.

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What they’re saying

“The ABS system is supposed to help, but it's really making things worse between players and umpires. We need to find a better balance.”

— Eugenio Suarez, Cincinnati Reds Player

What’s next

The league is expected to continue evaluating the implementation of the ABS system and how it impacts the game, with potential adjustments or rule changes coming in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between players, umpires, and the new automated ball-strike technology being rolled out across Major League Baseball. As the league works to find the right balance, more challenges and conflicts between these key stakeholders are likely to arise.