Mar 28, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire CB Bucknor (54) ejects Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) during the game against the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images© Aaron Doster-Imagn Images.

Longtime MLB Umpire C.B. Bucknor Leaves Game With Scary Injury

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 6:02 PM ET

Unfortunately, MLB umpire C.B. Bucknor had to leave Wednesday afternoon's game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers early due to an injury.

During the top of the second inning, Rays catcher Nick Fortes fouled off a 100-mph fastball from Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. The ball went flying right into Bucknor's face. Although he had his mask on for protection, the impact was so severe that he immediately fell to his knees.

Bucknor was then helped off the field by Milwaukee's training staff. The game had to be delayed for 13 minutes.

MLB fans aren't always fond of umpires, but obviously they don't want to see Bucknor go down with an injury.

"Hate to see this," one fan commented. "Hope he's OK."

"Ouch........hopefully it is not a concussion and he is ok," a second fan said.

"The sports world has given CB Bucknor a hard time of late, but you obviously hope he’s OK," another person wrote.

CB Bucknor took a foul ball to the mask and was in visible pain.

He left today’s game as he may have a concussion. pic.twitter.com/YHuluPblER
— js9innings (@js9inningsmedia) April 1, 2026

It's been a tough week for C.B. Bucknor.

On Tuesday night, Bucknor was under fire for botching a call at first base. He called out Jake Bauers on an infield single even though he clearly touched the top of the bag.

Bucknor's call was ultimately overturned, which then led to Bauers stealing second and scoring on a double from Brandon Lockridge.

"I don't know what happened," said Bauers, via ESPN. "I'm just thankful to get on base and thankful to come around and score."

Less than 24 hours later, Bucknor had to leave early due to injury. We're certainly hoping he makes a full recovery.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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