MLB tells Doug Eddings he went too far in cap dispute

No rule requires players to wear their caps straight.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 81 min read

MLB talked to umpire Doug Eddings about him instructing pitcher Hancel Rincón to straighten his hat and then ejecting Ca Via @BleacherReport on X

What happened: Eddings instructed rookie Hancel Rincón to straighten his hat during his major league debut, prompting an argument that ended with manager Oli Marmol's ejection. Eddings apologized to Rincón before the next game.

Why it matters: The episode put umpire discretion under scrutiny during a rookie's debut. Players tilted their caps the next night in support of Rincón.

By the numbers: Rincón entered in the sixth inning with the Cardinals leading 4-1. He retired his first batter, then allowed a triple, an inside-the-park homer and a single before departing; the Cardinals later won 7-6.

What to watch: Watch for any formal discipline or league-wide guidance on cap positioning.

Sources

@BleacherReport 2026-09-08T16:48:01.291141+00:00

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