Keller dazzles, even through rough comebacker, to find his first-half self

The Pirates' Bryan Reynolds slides in to score in front of the Cubs' Yan Gomes during the first inning of Friday's game at PNC Park.If it had not been for a 98.6 mph. comebacker off of his right shin in the eighth inning, Mitch Keller would have likely been given the chance to do something for the second time in his career and for the first time since early May.

That period also refers to the time when Keller was at his best this season, and when Keller was placing himself in the conversation among the best starters in the National League. Things are a bit different three months and some change apart from that point, but if the All-Star was going to finish the season on a strong note, he was…