MLB umpire CB Bucknor was ejected during the second inning of Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays for taking a foul ball directly from his facemask.
The incident occurred with two outs in the inning and Rays catcher Nick Fouts at home plate. The Brewers pitcher tried to knock Fortes out with an inside fastball, and the score was 1-2. Fortes swung under the ball, knocking it directly behind him and slightly up, causing the ball to collide with Bucknor’s facemask.
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https://x.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2039407488932450619
Bucknor, 63, immediately fell to the ground and was supported by Brewers receiver William Contreras before trainers arrived on the field. Bucknor was evaluated by his trainers and was eventually able to stand up under his own power, but it was ultimately decided that Bucknor should withdraw from the race. He was escorted off the field by his coach but was mostly able to walk on his own. The Brewers training staff did assist Bucknor as he walked into the team dugout to leave the game.
The day before the incident, Bucknor was involved in a controversial play at first base. During the Brewers’ 6-2 win on Tuesday, Bucknor falsely claimed that Brewers first baseman Jake Bowles did not touch first base while trying to hit a hit. The play was challenged and clearly showed that Bowles touched base. Bucknor’s error was overturned, causing both head coaches to laugh about the sequence of events.
Near the end of the sequence, Brewers play-by-play announcer Jeff Llewellyn quipped, “I’m really glad he’s getting at the plate tomorrow,” apparently unaware that Bucknor would leave the game early.
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Bucknor also came under heavy criticism from fans on Sunday for being overthrown in a row during crucial at-bats. Bucknor’s two calls were both wrong, and Cincinnati Reds fans erupted in cheers.
It’s unclear if Bucknor will miss more games after leaving Wednesday’s game.
This story will be updated.
