Many contenders will likely have a close eye on Sunday’s game between the Cubs and Mets, as Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com reports that Ryan Dempster will be activated from the disabled list to make the start for the North Siders.
Dempster hasn’t pitched since June 15 due to a sore right lat muscle. The 35-year-old right-hander right-hander was cleared to return after making it through two bullpen sessions this earlier week and throwing off flat ground this afternoon. While he will not require a minor league rehab start, the Cubs plan to limit him to about 80 pitches in his return.
Through 12 starts this season, Dempster has an outstanding 2.11 ERA and 66/22 K/BB ratio in 81 innings. The impending free agent has earned ten and five rights, so he has the ability to block any trade, but he has indicated that he’s willing to accept a deal in the right situation.
