San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp throws to a Chicago Cubs batter during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 12, 2026, in San Francisco, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

NEW YORK — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says the San Francisco Giants failed to inform players they could opt out of wearing rainbow-themed caps during Pride Night.

Some players, including pitcher Landen Roupp, added Bible verses to the caps, which violated league policy.

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley expressed concern over the warning to players, calling it “dubious” and arguing MLB promotes a political viewpoint with Pride-themed uniforms. Manfred responded that the league’s policy allows exemptions for Pride emblems and players can opt out.

Manfred said the Giants’ communication was inadequate, but players face no penalties or fines.

“The Giants players were allowed to wear the hats with biblical references for the entire game. After the game had concluded, my office issued a routine oral warning about the uniform policy violation — unfortunately, it was issued before we became aware of the Giants’ lapse in communication,” Manfred said. “The players were neither fined nor disciplined, nor will they ever be.”

Star returning

CINCINNATI — Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is expected to be reinstated from the injured list Tuesday after missing 19 games with a strained right hamstring, manager Terry Francona said Monday.

De La Cruz — who has been sidelined since June 1 — took batting practice prior to Monday night’s series opener against the first-place Brewers.

He made three rehab starts for Triple-A Louisville going 2 for 8 with a home run and two RBIs. After homering in his first rehab start on Friday, De La Cruz texted Francona, “Be there tomorrow” but the Reds didn’t want to rush things.

De La Cruz left the May 31 game against the Atlanta Braves with right hamstring tightness after he had a base hit in the fifth inning.

He had a streak of appearing in 276 consecutive games snapped, the sixth-longest streak for a Reds player in the expansion era (since 1961). His streak began on July 30, 2024.

Before going on the injured list, De La Cruz was batting .280 with 12 home runs.

On deck

Tonight: Seattle at Pittsburgh, 6:40 p.m.

Pitchers: Mariners RHP George Kirby (5-7) vs. Pirates RHP Mitch Keller (5-4)

TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh