Ryan Dempster will take the hill for the Texas Rangers Thursday night for his first appearance with his new club.
Some fun facts about Dempster's start, courtesy of CSN stat guru Chris Kamka and ESPN Stats and Info.
--The last time Dempster pitched for a team other than the Cubs was more than nine years ago, on July 28, 2003 for the Reds. He got a no-decision against the Phillies in Cincinnati. Interestingly enough, three guys with White Sox ties played for the Reds in that game -- D'Angelo Jimenez led off, Ray Olmedo played shortstop and Adam Dunn was in left field.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
--Dempster has made just one career appearance at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, coming on June 19, 2007. He earned a save, striking out all three batters he faced (Frank Catalanotto, Gerald Laird and Brad Wilkerson). Sean Marshall got the start in that game, with Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry providing the segue from Marshall to Dempster. Sammy Sosa hit cleanup for the Rangers while Marlon Byrd hit fifth.
--The entire active Cubs pitching staff has 68 wins in a Cubs uniform. Dempster had 67 at the time of his trade.
--Dempster faces the Angels tonight, led by Albert Pujols, who has hit more homers off Dempster (7) than any other pitcher in Major League Baseball.