Baseman Bryant back in Cubs lineup after missing two games

After missing the last two games with a bruised left wrist, third baseman Kris Bryant was back in the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup for Friday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

After missing the last two games with a bruised left wrist, third baseman Kris Bryant was back in the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup for Friday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The former MVP played left field and batted sixth in his return to the lineup, going 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Chicago's 8-4 win.

Bryant has been out since being plunked by Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Chris Archer on Tuesday.

Bryant is batting .276 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs in 99 games this season. He's missed time with left shoulder inflammation that led to two stints on the disabled list.

David Bote, who took over at third in place of Bryant, got the start there again on Friday.