Umpire CB Bucknor exits Rays-Brewers game after taking foul tip off mask

MILWAUKEE – Veteran umpire CB Bucknor was struck flush on the face mask by a foul tip in the second inning of Wednesday’s 8-2 Brewers win over the Rays in the series finale at American Family Field and had to leave the game.

Bucknor was still getting attention from Brewers athletic trainers Brad Epstein and Lee Meyer when first base umpire Chad Fairchild left the field of play to change his gear. When he returned, Fairchild settled behind the plate to call balls and strikes for the remainder of the day as part of a three-man crew.

Bucknor, 63, is a 26-year MLB veteran. He was shaken up on a 100.2 mph fastball in a 1-2 count from Brewers fireballer Jacob Misiorowski to Rays catcher Nick Fortes, who fouled it straight back into Bucknor’s mask. Following the delay, Misirowski surrendered a single to Fortes and walked Chandler Simpson, but retired Rays shortstop Ben Williamson to keep the game scoreless.

Bucknor was at first base for a disputed call on Tuesday night in which he ruled that the Brewers’ Jake Bauers had missed first base on an infield single, even though replays showed Bauers had stepped on the middle of the bag. The Brewers challenged, and the call was overturned. Bauers eventually scored and the Brewers won the game, 6-2.