Ryan

Dempster

Dempster might be the favorite to open the season as the Cubs’ closer, but it doesn’t appear that he’ll get a look in the role over the first couple of weeks of March. LaTroy Hawkins and Joe Borowski are the other internal candidates to close.

Dempster will begin the season on the 60-day disabled list, but he could return as a reliever as soon as June or July. There’s little chance of him spending any time in the rotation this year.

Dempster is making rapid progress from the reconstructive elbow surgery he had last August. It’s still hard to see him being much help to the Cubs.

Dempster threw a simulated inning Friday at extended spring training. Wednesday, he will up it to two innings at Wrigley Field. ''I’ll build it up to 5 simulated innings and then go out on a rehab assignment,’' said Dempster, who may be able to do that by June 1.

The Reds have not decided who will take Dempster’s spot on Monday. Reitsma could go if his biceps tendinitis has calmed down, or John Riedling could get a start. The Reds may also call someone up.

Dempster, rehabbing from elbow surgery, pitched 4 1/3 innings Monday in his first game for Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs don’t believe the back soreness is serious.

Not a bad rotation going for Iowa this week. Todd Wellemeyer (shoulder) will make his third rehab start for the team tonight. After Kerry Wood pitches Tuesday, Dempster (elbow) will follow on Wednesday.

Dempster’s rehab assignment ended yesterday. He’s had an impressive comeback from elbow surgery, but will pitch in long relief for the Cubs.

He is the only pitcher to record a save after giving up four consecutive walks.

Manager Dusty Baker said he wanted to leave Kerry Wood in a setup role, and since it’s still possible Wood will be shut down at some point, Dempster’s job seems pretty safe at the moment.