Chicago Cubs' Ryan Dempster unsure about his return – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Ryan Dampster is not expected to pitch before the All-Star break. The sore right lat had rendered the pitcher unable to pitch since June 16, creating a hole in the team’s defence.
The reports that trickled in on Friday, June 29, suggested that the player would go for a throw off the mound on Saturday or Sunday. This comes after he played catch last night in an attempt to see if he can go for rigorous practice.
The session seems to have been quite encouraging for the player. While speaking to the press on Friday, he said he has made some progress. He also made it clear that he was feeling pain free now.
"It won't take me long once I get going," Dempster said. "I haven't said [I'm returning on] 'This date' because if I feel good, it could be sooner than that. I'm completely pain free. I just don't know how I'm going to feel throwing."
Dempster has so far played 12 games this season, winning three and losing as many with an otherwise good 2.11 ERA. The player has allowed 61 hits and 21 runs in his 12 starts, having had 102.5 P/GS. His ERA stands second in the National League ranks and WHIP at sixth.
His being consigned to the disabled list was not a good development. The Cubs, therefore, had to sub Randy Wells for him. The two starts that Randy Wells had were fine enough but the Cubs are exploring other options now.
Before Dempster makes his way back into the team, the club wants to bring in the right substitute. Names under consideration are that of Casey Coleman and Chris Volstad.
As to when Dempster will be back, the team manager – Dale Sveum, is not certainly sure about it. "Everything's been on schedule as far as what we're trying to do," Sveum said of Dempster. "Obviously, there's no timetable for anything yet."
The team, nonetheless, wants Dempster to return sooner than later as he constitutes a powerful influence on the team’s defence and provides it with a strong base.
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