MLB Umpire Exits Game After Foul Ball Hits Face Mask

C.B. Bucknor left the Brewers-Rays matchup in the 2nd inning after taking a 100-mph foul tip to the face.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:36pm

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Home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor was struck in the face mask by a 100-mph foul ball during the second inning of Wednesday's game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. Bucknor immediately went down on his knees, and after being checked by the Brewers' training staff, he left the field. First-base umpire Chad Fairchild took over behind the plate, and the game was delayed for about 13 minutes.

Why it matters

Umpire safety is a critical concern in Major League Baseball, as they are often in the line of fire from hard-hit foul balls. This incident highlights the risks umpires face and the need for continued safety measures to protect them.

The details

In the second inning, Tampa Bay's Nick Fortes swung at a 100-mph fastball from Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski, and the foul tip struck Bucknor in the face mask. Bucknor, a 63-year-old veteran umpire, immediately went down on his knees, and the Brewers' catcher William Contreras checked on him. After the Brewers' training staff consulted with Bucknor, he left the field, and Chad Fairchild took over behind the plate, transitioning the game to a three-man crew.

  • The incident occurred in the second inning of Wednesday's Brewers-Rays game.
  • The game was delayed for about 13 minutes after Bucknor left the field.

The players

C.B. Bucknor

A 63-year-old veteran MLB umpire who left the game after being struck in the face mask by a foul ball.

Nick Fortes

The Tampa Bay Rays player who hit the foul ball that struck Bucknor.

Jacob Misiorowski

The Milwaukee Brewers pitcher who threw the 100-mph fastball that Fortes fouled off.

William Contreras

The Milwaukee Brewers catcher who checked on Bucknor after he was hit by the foul ball.

Chad Fairchild

The first-base umpire who took over behind the plate after Bucknor left the game.

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What they’re saying

“Umpire safety is always a top priority, and we're glad C.B. is getting the medical attention he needs.”

— Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner

What’s next

The MLB will likely review the incident and consider any necessary safety improvements to better protect umpires from high-velocity foul balls.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers umpires face in their roles and the need for continued vigilance and innovation to enhance their safety on the field.