Ryan Dempster held the Twins to just four hits in eight shutout innings Sunday, improving to 2-3 in Chicago's 8-2 road victory. Dempster struck out six and walked one as he won his second consecutive start after going winless through his first nine outings. The owner of an elite 2.31 ERA to go along with his 1.03 WHIP and 63/20 K/BB ratio, Dempster will get the Red Sox at home next weekend.

During an appearance on ESPN 1000 in Chicago on Wednesday, Ryan Dempster indicated that he would be open to a trade. "I think I would be doing everybody in that locker room and anybody who is a Cubs fan and most importantly the Cubs organization a huge disservice if I didn't put all my focus and attention on trying to make my start and do the best I can to help us win," said Dempster. "You're in a situation where if it does happen, they are going to do what's best for the Chicago Cubs, and I'm all for that." Dempster has full no-trade rights as a 10-and-5 player, but it sounds like he'd welcome an opportunity to pitch for a contender in the right situation. The 35-year-old right-hander is in the final year of a four-year, $52 million contract and figures to be a pretty marketable trade chip for the rebuilding Cubs.

Ryan Dempster dazzled the Brewers on Tuesday to earn his first victory of the season, allowing just three hits over seven scoreless innings. He punched out three and didn't walk a hitter in the game. He now sits at 1-3 on the year, though his 2.59 ERA remains among the best in the league. Dempster is enjoying a tremendous resurgence after a rough 2011 season, and should be a strong contender for comeback player of the year honors. He'll look to keep on rolling when he takes on the Twins in Minnesota on Sunday.

Ryan Dempster was tagged for six runs and three homers in 4 1/3 innings by the Padres on Wednesday. The winless Dempster has pitched to the score this season, but in a bad way. Today's 8-6 victory was the third time the Cubs have scored at least four runs in a Dempster start. Unfortunately, he's given up at least four runs himself in all of those games. In his other six outings, Dempster has allowed a total of seven runs, five of which were earned.

Cubs president Theo Epstein told Toni Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times that he has spoken to Ryan Dempster about staying in Chicago beyond 2012. Epstein was noncommittal when asked about the possibility of trade, adding that there has been ''open dialogue'' between the two sides about Dempster's future with the organization. ''Long term, sure. We'll have to take a realistic look at where we are," said Epstein. While Dempster is off to a hot start this season and should be an attractive piece at the trade deadline, he has the ability to veto any trade.

Ryan Dempster has indicated that he would prefer to stay with the Cubs rather than being traded. Dempster would figure to be a hot commodity at the trade deadline, but he has the ability to veto any deal. ''I want to be here and be part of what's going to be a bright future,'' he said. ''Sometimes you have to endure some of the tough times in the present to get to that. We'll just see how it goes.'' The veteran right-hander is slated for free agency this winter after making $14 million this season.

Ryan Dempster allowed one run on seven hits and stuck out six in Friday's loss to the Pirates. Dempster went seven strong innings but was the victim of poor run support. Of his 106 pitches, 75 were for strikes. His only walk came in the fifth inning against Andrew McCutchen. Despite the loss, Dempster is now tied for sixth in the National League with a 2.14 ERA.

Ryan Dempster allowed three hits over eight scoreless innings Thursday in a no-decision against the Reds. Dempster left with a three-run lead, but it was blown by the combination of Carlos Marmol and Ian Stewart in the ninth. Dempster might be 4-0 right now for another team, but since he's a Cub, he's 0-1 with a 0.95 ERA.

Cubs activated RHP Ryan Dempster from the 15-day disabled list. Dempster missed a little more than two weeks because of a right quad strain and will return to action on Thursday with a start against the Reds in Cincinnati. The 35-year-old has an impressive 1.33 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 23/8 K/BB ratio through his first three starts (20 1/3 innings) this season.

Ryan Dempster (quad) will return to the Cubs' rotation on Thursday against the Reds in Cincinnati. Dempster progressed nicely from his quadriceps injury, needing only a minimum stint on the 15-day disabled list while missing just two starts. He's pitched very well in the early part of the season, though fantasy owners may want to wait a week to let him shake off the rust. The Reds' offense presents a difficult matchup.