Chicago Cubs: Rizzo, Bryant take part in HR Derby; Schwarber returning soon?

Cubs thrilled to be part of new HR Derby format; Schwarber knocking on the door again?

The two Chicago Cubs All-Stars were on the big stage in Monday Night’s Home Run Derby, and while the results weren’t great, both enjoyed the experience. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant both fell in the first round, and Rizzo was the first one out of the gate in the new format. He fell to the Dodgers’ Joc Pederson 9-8, while Bryant lost to Angels’ slugger (and Cubs killer) Albert Pujols on a buzzer-beating home run. But the new format was definitely a hit with both fans and the players.

Kyle Schwarber put on a nice show with the Cubs before being sent back down to Iowa, which was actually a “promotion” after being called up from Double-A. So on a day before the MLB All-Stars took the stage, Schwarber let it be known that he may be planning to take part in this weekend again next season. He helped lead the USA to a 10-1 win over the World team in the SiriusXM Futures Game and secured MVP honors.

The new HR Derby format was a success. The pace, the drama, all of it was there in the new timed event. Richard Justice of MLB.com saw the excitement that it brought not just to the fans, but the guys taking part in the event. It ended with the hometown hero Todd Frazier of the Cincinnati Reds walking away with the title. Well done MLB. Well done.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘First out of Derby gate, Rizzo enjoys new format’ – Cubs.com

‘Kyle Schwarber hopes to make his return to the Cubs soon’ – Cubbies Crib

‘HR Derby had a magical feel’ – MLB.com

‘Papelbon lobbying for trade: ‘It’s time’ – ESPN.com

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