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Ryan Dempster

4/20/2006

Dempster set a Cubs franchise record Wednesday when he worked the ninth inning of Chicago's 5-4 win over Los Angeles for his 23rd consecutive save. He has converted all of his opportunities since blowing a lead and getting the win in an 8-4 victory over St. Louis last July 24.

10/1/2005

Dempster agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Chicago cubs worth a reported $15.5 million on Saturday. The reliever has had an excellent season, going 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA and 33 saves in 35 opportunities. Dempster has tied a club record by converting his last 19 save opportunities, and his current streak of 21.1 scoreless innings is the longest by a Cubs reliever since 1989.

5/18/2005

Dempster did not pitch in the Cubs' weekend series against the Washington Nationals because of a deep bruise in his right forearm, but he returned to the mound on Tuesday, notching his first save of the 2005 campaign in a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The righthander, who was named the team's closer just more than a week ago, needed just eight pitches to retire the side, striking out one batter.

The Cubs expect Joe Borowski to return to the bullpen within in the next week. At that time, they will determine to hand the closer duties over to him, or stick with Dempster for the time being. In nine appearances this season, including six starts, Dempster is 2-3 with a 5.50 ERA. He has 41 strikeouts and 23 walks in 37.2 innings of work.

5/13/2005

Dempster will not be allowed to pitch in Friday's matchup with the Washington Nationals, but the Cubs expect him to be available at some point during the three-game weekend series. The righthander suffered a deep bruise on his right forearm when he was hit by a liner off the bat of Mike Piazza in the 10th inning of Wednesday's victory over the New York Mets, but tests revealed no major damage in the arm. He is listed as day-to-day.

Reportedly, the Cubs will turn to Michael Wuertz if there is a save situation over the next day or two. Dempster was named the team's closer last weekend and is expected to hold the job at least until Joe Borowski returns from a broken wrist, which could be within the next week. For the season, Dempster is 2-3 with a 5.65 ERA in eight appearances, including six starts.

5/12/2005

Dempster, who was named the Cubs' closer last weekend, might be forced to miss a few days after being hit by a liner off the bat of Mike Piazza in the 10th inning of Wednesday's victory over the New York Mets. The righthander was nailed on his pitching arm, just below the elbow in the fleshy muscle area of the forearm. Precautionary X-rays were negative, and Dempster was diagnosed with a deep bruise. He will be re-evaluated on Thursday to get an update on his status.

For now, the Cubs have listed Dempster as day-to-day. Although he failed to notch the save in Wednesday's game, Dempster recorded the win, going two innings, with one run on three hits, two strikeouts and one walk. For the season, he is 2-3 with a 5.65 ERA in eight appearances, including six starts.

5/9/2005

The Chicago Cubs officially have moved Dempster from the starting rotation into the closer role. The righthander was warming up during the ninth inning of Sunday's win over the Philadephia Phillies, but was not needed, as starter Carlos Zambrano went the distance. Dempster was scheduled to start against the New York Mets on Monday, but due to the recent switch, Jon Leicester will get the nod instead.

According to manager Dusty Baker, the move is definite, at least until Joe Borowski is activated from the disabled list, which should be within the next week or so. The team then will re-evaluate their bullpen setup. In six starts this season, Dempster is 1-3 with a 5.35 ERA. He worked out of the pen last year, posting a 1-1 record, 3.92 ERA and two saves in 23 relief appearances.

5/4/2005

Although the Cubs are still considering moving Dempster to the bullpen and using him in the closer role, the righthander will remain in the starting rotation for the time being, primarily due to Kerry Wood's shoulder injury. Dempster is scheduled to take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

With Chad Fox out indefinitely, Joe Borowski still working his way back from injury and LaTroy Hawkins struggling in the closer role, the Cubs have thought about using Dempster in save situations. However, with Wood sidelined, they need to keep him in the rotation. Dempster has made five starts this season, going 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA.

5/3/2005

With three off-days over the next couple of weeks, the Cubs likely will go with a four-man starting rotation, according to manager Dusty Baker. As a result, the team plans to use Dempster in relief, and could try him out as the closer, due to LaTroy Hawkins' struggles in the role and Chad Fox' elbow injury. Dempster has made five starts this season, going 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA.

Dempster's move might be temporary, especially with Joe Borowski slated to return within the next week or two. With Kerry Wood sidelined for at least three weeks, Glendon Rusch will fill the void in the starting rotation for the Cubs.