The Jason Heyward dilemma: big contract, big defense, struggling offense

Jason Heyward smacked a tiebreaking single Sunday and celebrated with a vigorous clap and wave toward his teammates.

Heyward's seventh-inning single capped his first three-hit game in nearly four weeks and provided some timely relief after bouts of failed situations and soft-contact outs.

The Cubs remain patient with the mild-mannered Heyward, 28, who was benched against left-handed pitchers during the latter part of 2016 and has yet to see a dramatic rise in power despite revamping his batting stance.

Their tolerance persists because of Heyward's Gold Glove-caliber defense in right field, his .322