Cardinals make decision on rookie pitcher days after Doug Eddings incident

As rosters expanded to 28 players on Tuesday, the St. Louis Cardinals used one of their extra spots to call up right-handed pitcher Hancel Rincon from Triple-A Memphis. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut Friday.

In that game against the Colorado Rockies, Rincon entered the game to start the bottom of the sixth inning. He had already faced two batters and got into a 2-0 count on a third when umpire Doug Eddings told him to adjust his hat.

Rincon was wearing it off to the side, and after complying with Eddings' demand, allowed an inside-the-park home run to Rockies center fielder Cole Carrigg.

Rincon faced four batters in total before being lifted from the game. Cardinals manager Oli Marmol was frustrated with Eddings since the hat incident a few minutes prior, and was ejected following the pitching change.

Sep 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) argues with home plate umpire Doug Eddings (88) in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The next day, St. Louis players wore their hats to the side in protest. According to their broadcast, some Colorado players did as well. Eddings apologized to Rincon for his actions from the previous night before the game.

The 24-year-old got into Saturday's game, throwing the sixth inning again. He allowed four runs on two hits and a walk while picking up his first MLB strikeout. Overall, Rincon had a rocky weekend in Denver. He surrendered seven earned runs in 1 ⅓ innings pitched, walking one and striking out one.

The scuffle with Eddings happened close to the start of his Friday appearance, which might have impacted his performance. Ahead of Sunday's game, Rincon was demoted to Triple-A with lefty long man Cooper Hjerpe coming up to MLB.

The 25-year-old was taken in the first round of the 2022 draft by the Cardinals, but has struggled with injury during his minor league career. He sat out all of 2025 with Tommy John Surgery, but has pitched well since his return earlier this season.

In five starts and 19 innings at Memphis, Hjerpe has pitched to a 0.95 ERA, striking out 27 and walking 17. He has always been a high-strikeout high-walk guy, but these numbers do jump off the page.

Pitchers usually struggle with command after coming back from TJ, so hopefully that is all it is. He will now be working with an MLB staff as the Cardinals (70-70) attempt to make a run for the third National League Wild Card spot.