Chicago Cubs' Ryan Dempster all set to return after All-Star Break – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs on Monday, July 2, hinted at the possible return of Ryan Dempster after the All-Star break. The starter who found himself reduced to the disabled list after June 16 due to a sore right lat is engaged in practice sessions these days to prepare himself for the regular games.
Dempster has practically demonstrated his fitness. Monday’s session wherein the pitcher threw 40 pitches off the mound was a testament to his readiness to come and throw. He also threw 50 on flat ground to establish he is not facing any major problem right now. Dempster is looking good and it seems that his recovery is coming along nicely.
Monday’s session brought some level of satisfaction for the team manager, Dale Sveum. "Everything went great today," Cubs' manager Sveum said Monday. "The bullpen was probably better than expected. We're just playing it by ear and see how he feels tomorrow."
If one has to look at the force, stamina and effectiveness Dempster showed in Monday’s session, it is easy to predict his early return. Dempster himself might want that, but the team has to take into consideration every minute detail before arriving to the final conclusion.
Dempster jokingly referred to the possibility to play in the coming weekend. "We'll just see how I feel [Tuesday] and go from there," Dempster said. "[I'm] just stretching it out and stepping on the gas a little more each time and seeing where we get."
Initially, there were talks of sending him for rehab start in the Minor Leagues. That idea did not find any traction at the end. The team manager has full confidence in Dempster’s ability to be ready after these practice sessions.
With three wins in the season, what has kept Dempster separated from the peers right now is the fact that he has not allowed even a single run in his last three starts. Once he returns, it will be interesting to see if he retains that performance. Dempster will be looking for a quick recovery so that he can return to the action and help the Cubs at this crucial time during the regular season.
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