MLB Umpire CB Bucknor Exits Game After Foul Ball to Mask

Veteran ump leaves contest a day after controversial call went viral

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:10pm

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Longtime MLB umpire CB Bucknor was struck in the mask by a foul ball during Wednesday's game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, forcing him to exit the contest. The incident came just a day after Bucknor made a controversial call that went viral on social media.

Why it matters

Umpires in Major League Baseball have come under increased scrutiny in recent years with the implementation of automated ball-strike systems, putting them under a bigger spotlight than ever before. Bucknor's exit due to the foul ball strike to his mask highlights the physical risks and challenges umpires face in calling games.

The details

In the bottom of the 5th inning, Rays batter Nick Fortes fouled off a pitch from Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, with the ball striking Bucknor directly in the mask. Both Fortes and Brewers catcher William Contreras immediately recognized the severity of the impact, and Brewers training staff came out to tend to the shaken-up umpire. Bucknor ended up leaving the game, with the remainder played with a three-umpire crew.

  • The incident occurred in the bottom of the 5th inning on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The day prior, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Bucknor made a controversial call that went viral on social media.

The players

CB Bucknor

A veteran MLB umpire who has worked in the league since 1996, including the 2005 and 2021 All-Star Games as well as five American League Division Series. Bucknor is one of the two longest-tenured umpires in the majors and has been on the field for two no-hitters.

Nick Fortes

A batter for the Tampa Bay Rays who fouled the pitch off that struck Bucknor in the mask.

William Contreras

The Milwaukee Brewers catcher who immediately recognized the severity of the foul ball hitting Bucknor's mask.

Jacob Misiorowski

The Milwaukee Brewers pitcher who was on the mound when the foul ball incident occurred.

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What’s next

It is unclear if Bucknor will miss any additional games due to the foul ball incident. The umpiring crew will need to find a replacement to finish the game behind the plate.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the physical risks and challenges umpires face in Major League Baseball, especially with the increased scrutiny they have faced in recent years due to the implementation of automated ball-strike systems. Bucknor's exit due to the foul ball strike to his mask underscores the need for continued safety measures and support for umpires who play a critical role in the game.