Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant got a lot of postgame attention Friday for his base-running — not to mention his home run in the seventh inning. And Gold Glove right fielder Jason Heyward got attention for a couple of nice catches — not to mention his game-winning hit with two out in the eighth to beat the Pirates 4-3.
But the most important development for the Cubs on their first day back from the All-Star break was the performance of their expensive, too-often-underperforming starting pitcher.
If it sticks. If he can back it up against the Reds on Wednesday.