PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 7-0 blowout loss to the Chicago Cubs Monday night wasn’t just about the lack of offense from their side, but brewing anger between both teams.
Aug 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) celebrates with designated hitter Michael Conforto (20) after scoring in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Merrill Kelly took the mound for the Snakes looking for a bounce-back from his previous outing, and despite some shakiness early on, was able to settle into a groove against the Cubs’ powerful offense. Midway through the game, the broadcast showed both benches yelling at each other and exchanging expletives. Arizona bench coach Jeff Banister and pitching coach Brian Kaplan could be seen arguing with Chicago bench coach Ryan Flaherty.
The tension continued to build as the game went on.
Aug 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Kelly was pulled during the sixth inning after getting two outs and leaving one baserunner on, putting what could have been a quality start in jeopardy. Taylor Clarke then gave up a two-run home run to the next batter, tagging Kelly with three earned runs and the loss as the D-Backs couldn’t muster enough offense at the plate to counter.
Even with Kelly off the mound, his presence was still very much felt. He stayed engaged with the game and was involved in a heated exchange with Cubs third-base coach Quintin Berry, later implying that Berry was stealing signs to relay to his team while Kelly was pitching.
POSTGAME: #Dbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly says they thought #Cubs third-base coach was relaying signs and believes that part of the game should stay between the players.
“I think it’s a little BS when it comes from a coach.”
(video courtesy https://t.co/Zd1ZFEYu7y) pic.twitter.com/gZTJJlIxdF
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) August 25, 2026
“We thought he had something on my changeup,” Kelly said postgame. “We thought he was giving, especially the lefties, very time I was throwing a changeup. We felt like he was relaying that … Stealing signs is as old as baseball. I think it’s a little bull— when it comes from a coach … I think it’s a little bush league.”
The exchange added another layer to an already frustrating night for the Diamondbacks, who struggled to generate much offensively while the Cubs continued to put pressure on them throughout the game.
Aug 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) throws to first base in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Whether the sign-stealing accusation amounts to anything beyond a heated moment remains to be seen, but it certainly added some extra fuel to an already contentious night between Arizona and Chicago.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
