Umpire CB Bucknor's Calls Overturned 6 Times in Reds-Red Sox Game

Veteran MLB umpire struggled mightily behind the plate, to the delight of Reds fans

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball umpire making a call at home plate, with the umpire's body and the field of play broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the fractured and inconsistent nature of human umpiring.The ABS system's overturning of multiple calls by veteran umpire CB Bucknor exposes the ongoing challenges of human umpiring and the potential impact of automated strike zone technology.Cincinnati Today

Longtime MLB umpire CB Bucknor endured a disastrous outing on Saturday, with the automated ball-strike (ABS) system overturning six of his eight calls during the Reds-Red Sox game. Bucknor's struggles, which included multiple blown calls against Reds slugger Eugenio Suarez, sparked outrage on social media and highlighted the ongoing debate around the implementation of robot umpires in baseball.

Why it matters

Bucknor's performance underscores the ongoing challenges faced by human umpires in accurately calling balls and strikes, and the potential benefits of the new ABS system in improving the accuracy and consistency of umpiring. The high rate of overturned calls also raises questions about Bucknor's future as an MLB umpire, as well as the broader implications of the ABS system on the game.

The details

Bucknor, a 26-year veteran umpire, struggled to find the strike zone throughout the game, missing his spots with increasing regularity. His overall accuracy rate of 88% was well below the league average of 92% he posted in the 2025 season. The ABS system, which allows batters and pitchers to challenge on-field ball and strike calls, proved to be a worthy adversary for Bucknor, overturning six of his eight calls, much to the delight of the Reds fans in attendance.

  • The game took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Bucknor's struggles occurred throughout the game, with multiple calls overturned in key moments.

The players

CB Bucknor

A 26-year veteran MLB umpire known for his inconsistent strike zone and below-average performance metrics.

Eugenio Suarez

A slugger for the Cincinnati Reds who was the victim of multiple overturned calls by Bucknor during the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Trevor Story just exploded on CB Bucknor. Never seen him this mad before. Well-deserved.”

— Tyler Milliken

What’s next

The MLB will likely review Bucknor's performance and consider whether disciplinary action or additional training is warranted. The high rate of overturned calls may also prompt further discussions about the implementation and impact of the ABS system.

The takeaway

Bucknor's struggles highlight the ongoing challenges faced by human umpires in accurately calling balls and strikes, and the potential benefits of the new ABS system in improving the quality and consistency of umpiring. The high rate of overturned calls also raises questions about Bucknor's future as an MLB umpire and the broader implications of the ABS system on the game.