In a tense moment during the Tampa Bay Rays' matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, veteran MLB umpire C.B. Bucknor was forced to leave the game after a fastball hit his mask.
It happened in the top of the second inning at American Family Field when Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski unleashed a 100.2 MPH fastball. Rays catcher Nick Fortes fouled it off, but the ball struck Bucknor squarely on the mask.
According to reports, Bucknor exited the game and was replaced by first base umpire Chad Fairchild, leaving the crew to continue with three umpires. This incident comes just days after another umpire, Ryan Blakney, took a foul ball to the mask during a Blue Jays-Athletics game, resulting in a minor injury.
This season holds special significance for Bucknor, as it marks his 30th year as an MLB umpire. Starting his career in the National League, the 63-year-old has officiated two All-Star games, five Division Series, and one Wild Card Series. Despite previous minor injuries in 2012 and 2013, the hope is that Bucknor will recover quickly and return to the field soon.
On the field, the Brewers claimed victory with an 8-2 win, securing the series and improving their record to 5-1. They’ll take a break before facing the Kansas City Royals in a three-game series. Meanwhile, the Rays, now 2-4, will continue their nine-game road trip with a series against the Minnesota Twins, looking forward to their home opener against the Chicago Cubs next Monday.