Diamondbacks reliever Ryan Thompson has become one of the latest voices to weigh in on the growing controversy surrounding the Giants and Major League Baseball’s response to players displaying Bible verses during Pride Night.
The debate began after Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote “Gen 9:12-16” on their rainbow-themed Pride Night caps during last week’s game against the Cubs. The Bible passage references God’s covenant with Noah and describes the rainbow as a sign of that promise.
MLB later issued warnings to the players, though the league emphasized the warnings were not related to the religious message itself.
“To be clear, this routine verbal warning … had absolutely nothing to do with the content of the message,” MLB said in a statement. The league noted that uniform regulations prohibit players from writing any messages on apparel or equipment and said similar warnings have previously been issued for phrases such as “Dad” and “Happy Mother’s Day.”
Thompson, a devout Christian who has openly discussed the role faith plays in his life and clubhouse leadership, defended Giants pitchers and pushed back against criticism directed at Roupp.
“I think there’s a perceived negativity with this stuff,” Thompson told FOX 10 Phoenix. “Landen Roupp wrote a verse on his hat that means he’s anti-something. It means that he’s pro something.”
Thompson argued that Roupp’s message was an expression of his Christian beliefs rather than a statement against the LGBTQ+ community.
“There’s nothing negative — nothing anti,” Thompson said. “It’s all positive. Like, this is what the rainbow means to me.”
The comments are consistent with Thompson’s public approach to faith.
Earlier this season, he spoke about using his Christian beliefs to support teammates through struggles on and off the field, saying he wants players to know their value extends beyond baseball performance.
Thompson has also been outspoken politically. Earlier this year, he attended a Turning Point USA event and shared photos with President Donald Trump, calling it an “incredible honor” and describing Trump as “the greatest president of our lifetime.”
The Giants’ controversy has also drawn reactions from prominent conservatives. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has demanded answers from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, questioning whether the league applies its policies consistently when it comes to religious expression.
Vice President JD Vance questioned the league’s continuation of Pride Month initiatives and LGBTQ-themed events in light of Trump’s election.
Comedian Rob Schneider pledged to pay any future fines imposed on players who wear Bible verses on their uniforms.
As debate continues around the Giants’ Pride Night incident, Thompson’s comments add another player perspective to a story that has expanded well beyond baseball.
