NEW YORK (AP) — Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster is set to start Sunday’s game against the New York Mets.
The right-hander has been on the disabled list since June 18 because of a tight muscle in his back. Manager Dale Sveum says Dempster is limited to around 70 to 80 pitches in the Cubs’ last game before the All-Star break.
Dempster has not allowed a run in 22 straight innings and is 3-3 this season. His 2.11 ERA is second in the major leagues despite playing on one of the worst teams in baseball.
The 35-year-old Dempster earns $14 million this season and will be a free agent at the end of the year. With the Cubs rebuilding, he has acknowledged that it’s unlikely he’ll be with the team beyond the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
