The Arizona Diamondbacks lost 7-0 in Monday’s series opener to the Chicago Cubs, and although fans weren’t necessarily treated to an instant classic, which has become the norm for this matchup, we did get a new feud.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Diamondbacks started to bark at the Cubs’ third base coach Quintin Berry. Merrill Kelly, Arizona’s starting pitcher, ranted after the game, accusing the Cubs of doing something that is 100% within the rules of the game. Whether it was Berry relaying signs from third base, or it was Seiya Suzuki at second base, or a combo, that is allowed. Kelly lasted 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks, and after the loss, he went off on the Cubs.
Like any smart team, the Cubs noticed that Kelly was tipping his pitches, and Berry relayed the signs. So, it is completely understandable that Kelly was annoyed by the entire ordeal, but at the same time, it’s also embarrassing that he’s trying to blame the Cubs for something that happens to some extent in every single competitive baseball game.
Kelly’s had a brutal 2026 season, posting a 5.35 ERA and an 8-12 record over 24 starts. He hasn’t had a quality start since July 9, so he’s not going to be happy at the thought of the opponent bending the rules to get an advantage over him. Yet, the Cubs did absolutely nothing wrong and operated within the rules of the game.
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So, at the end of the day, it just makes Kelly look like a crybaby over something so ordinary in baseball, stealing signs.
Anyway, we got an incredible exchange between the Cubs and Diamondbacks dugouts during the game.
And Cubs fans got this amazing video from bench coach Ryan Flaherty.
At least Arizona’s manager recognized his mistake and apologized.
