Heyward denies Cubs were tipping signs

Jason Heyward found himself in a precarious situation with San Francisco Giants southpaw Madison Bumgarner on Thursday after he and Chicago Cubs teammate Dexter Fowler were accused of stealing signs, but he downplayed the whole situation after the dust settled.

"I wasn't looking out at anybody. I wasn't trying to show anyone up," Heyward said postgame. "I played against those two guys (Buster Posey, Bumgarner) since 2008 in the minor leagues. It's always a battle. It's always fun. First class guys who play the game the right way. I try to do the same.

"That was it. I think it was a misunderstanding."

Related: Bumgarner confronts Heyward after strikeout

Heyward said he was checking with Fowler on whether he believed the called third strike was reasonable, and that it wasn't an attempt to steal signs.

"Dexter was so discreet I was still waiting for a response," Heyward joked. "It was very subtle. 'What does that mean? Just give me a thumb's up on the side.'

Bumgarner said he won't hold a grudge after the contest, suggesting there won't be any retaliation when the two clubs meet during the regular season.