CB Bucknor, a major-league umpire since 1999, faced significant scrutiny during a game on March 28, 2026, between the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati. Bucknor had six calls overturned during the match, raising questions about his performance and decision-making.
The game featured a total of eight challenges, with the Cincinnati Reds successfully overturning five calls, while the Boston Red Sox managed only one successful challenge. Notably, Eugenio Suárez of the Reds had two consecutive pitches called strikes by Bucknor that were later overturned by the Automated Ball-Strike system.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora expressed frustration with Bucknor’s performance, stating, “He has one job to do, it’s (to) call balls and strikes. It wasn’t his best day.” This sentiment was echoed by players, including pitcher Ryan Watson, who remarked, “That’s probably the loudest I’ve heard a stadium while pitching,” referring to the crowd’s reaction to Bucknor’s calls.
Cora’s frustration with Bucknor’s decisions culminated in his ejection from the game after arguing a call. The final score saw the Cincinnati Reds narrowly defeat the Boston Red Sox 6-5 after 11 innings, further intensifying the focus on Bucknor’s officiating.
At 63 years old, Bucknor is one of the longest-tenured active umpires in Major League Baseball. His recent performance has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of umpires and the role of technology in the game.
Observers and officials are likely to monitor Bucknor’s future games closely, as the controversy surrounding this match raises questions about the standards of officiating in the league. The use of the Automated Ball-Strike system may also come under review as teams seek to ensure fair play.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how Bucknor will adjust his officiating style and whether further scrutiny will impact his role in upcoming games. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential disciplinary actions or reviews of his performance.
