Umpire C.B. Bucknor has six pitches overturned by ABS system

Bucknor, one of MLB's longest-tenured umpires, had a rough afternoon behind the plate

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor had a total of six pitch calls overturned by the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, including two consecutive called third strikes. The frustration boiled over in the eighth inning when Bucknor called Trevor Story out on a check swing without consulting the first base umpire, leading to the ejection of Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

Why it matters

The ABS system is designed to improve the accuracy of ball and strike calls, but its use has also led to some embarrassing moments for veteran umpires like Bucknor. This game highlights the ongoing transition as MLB implements new technologies to enhance the quality of officiating, even if it means occasionally exposing the limitations of human umpires.

The details

The Reds eventually won the game 6-5 in 11 innings, but the story of the day was Bucknor's struggles behind the plate. Out of the 8 total challenges in the game, 6 of Bucknor's calls were overturned, including two consecutive called third strikes on Eugenio Suárez in the sixth inning. The frustration boiled over in the eighth when Bucknor called Trevor Story out on a check swing without consulting the first base umpire, leading to the ejection of Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

  • The game took place on March 29, 2026.
  • Bucknor had six pitches overturned by the ABS system throughout the game.

The players

C.B. Bucknor

A veteran MLB umpire who has been calling games since 1996 and is one of the two longest-tenured active umpires.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who was ejected from the game for arguing a controversial check swing call made by Bucknor.

Trevor Story

The Boston Red Sox shortstop who was called out on a check swing by Bucknor without the first base umpire's input, leading to Cora's ejection.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He has one job to do. It wasn't his best day.”

— Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The MLB will likely review Bucknor's performance and consider whether additional training or oversight is needed to ensure umpires can properly adapt to the new Automated Ball-Strike challenge system.

The takeaway

The implementation of the ABS system in MLB is exposing the limitations of even the most experienced umpires, raising questions about how the league can best support its officials in this transition to new technologies. This game highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing human judgment and automated decision-making in professional sports.