The blown call comes just days after Bucknor had six calls overturned on ABS
By Mike Axisa Apr 1, 2026 at 11:04 am ET • 1 min read 
Getty Images It has not been a good opening week for veteran umpire C.B. Bucknor. On Saturday, Bucknor had six ball/strike calls overturned by the ABS challenge system, and also ejected Red Sox manager Alex Cora after calling Trevor Story out on a borderline check swing. The call ended the eighth inning with the tying run at second base and the go-ahead run at first.
"He has one job to do. It wasn't his best day," Cora said about Bucknor after the game.
Things got worst Tuesday. Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers reached base after Rays shortstop Ben Williamson made a diving stop, but airmailed the throw. Bucknor, the first base umpire, called Bauers out for failing to touch first base, except Bauers did touch first. Quite obviously too. This wasn't a "his toe got the corner" situation. Bauers stepped right on top of the bag.
Fortunately, Bucknor's out call was overturned on instant replay. Bauers later came around to score on Brandon Lockridge's double. Here is the play:
"Yeah, grateful for that," Bauers said about the replay review. "I don't know what happened. Just thankful to get on base and thankful to come around and score."
On one hand, this is why instant replay exists, right? To correct mistakes. Umpires are human and mistakes happen. On the other hand, this was a pretty egregious mistake. Bucknor had the play right in front of him and Bauers very clearly stepped on first base. The replay center didn't have to zoom in and consult several different angles, you know?
The play was ultimately inconsequential toward the outcome of the game. The Brewers led 4-2 at the time and went on to win 6-2 (box score). Milwaukee is 4-1 through five games, tied for baseball's best record.
MLB's umpire rotation means Bucknor will be behind the plate for Wednesday afternoon's Brewers vs. Rays series finale at American Family Field.
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