Chicago Cubs' Ryan Dempster ready to pitch – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs' starter Ryan Dempster said on Wednesday, June 4, that he is all ready to pitch, should the team deem it right. The starter who was earlier set to pitch after the All-Star break may now take to the mound earlier.
However, much as he shows readiness and looks equipped with force and effectiveness, Dempster wants the team to make the final decision. In case the Cubs show a green signal, Dempster will be in a fit state to pitch.
"I think they want to wait until [Thursday] and see how it feels, and then we'll have an idea and an answer," Dempster said. "It's easy to say 'yes' today when you feel great throwing a side. We'll see how it feels tomorrow."
While Dempster himself has left the decision for the team, the Cubs are not loath to provide the starter an opportunity to decide whatever is good for him. Nonetheless, Dempster remains cautious in this regard.
"I think they trust me to make the right decisions," Dempster said. "I also don't want to go out there and have a 50-pitch limit, and that doesn't do us any good."
Reduced to the disabled list since mid-June, Dempster has made a rather quick rehabilitation. That could be seen in his ability to throw 40 pitches in the bullpen on Monday, coupled with 50 on flat ground.
Such has been his command and effectiveness in rehab that the team is confident he can pitch any time he is asked to. That aspect was also referred to and lauded by the team manager Dale Sveum when he spoke of Ryan Dempster.
Sveum said, "He's so in tune with his mechanics and his arm and how he feels, it's at the point where it's not like we'd leave him out there for 110 pitches.”
Cubs are heavily dependent on the quality start these days. Ryan Dempster is one starter who can lend credible support to the team on any given day as the starter has practically demonstrated throughout the season. He has remained efficient enough to outperform the rivals and be dominant in the game.
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