Veteran umpire C.B. Bucknor left Wednesday's game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers after a foul tip struck him in the face mask. The incident occurred in the second inning when Rays catcher Nick Fortes swung at a 100 mph fastball from Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski. The ball ricocheted backward, hitting Bucknor directly in his protective gear.

Bucknor, 63, immediately dropped to his knees as Brewers catcher William Contreras rushed to check on him. After consultation with the Brewers training staff, Bucknor left the field for medical attention. Chad Fairchild, who had been working first base, moved behind the plate to complete the three-man umpiring crew. The game experienced a 13-minute delay while the transition occurred.

The incident highlights the inherent risks umpires face despite protective equipment. Bucknor, in his 30th season as a major league umpire, has been known for his durability and longevity in the profession. Foul tips at high velocity can still cause significant impact even through modern protective masks.