MLB Network's Peter Gammons reports that Cubs GM Jim Hendry has no interest in trading Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza during the season. That's pretty much been the feeling all along. Logic would dictate that the Cubs would be wise to try to get out from under at least some of the remainder of the $13.5 million owed to Dempster for the rest of the season and the $14 million owed to him next year. But, Dempster loves Chicago and doesn't want to waive his no-trade clause. Garza is under team control through 2013.

Ryan Dempster struck out nine in eight scoreless innings to beat the Marlins on Friday. It was the third time in Dempster's 280 career starts that he struck out as many as nine and walked none. He'd be a pretty good bet for the second half and the postseason if a contender could pry him away from the Cubs.

Cubs manager Mike Quade said on Sunday that he planned to chat with pitcher Ryan Dempster at some point after the two had a disagreement in the dugout when Dempster was yanked on Saturday after five innings against the Pirates. "You make decisions and do what you have to do, right or wrong, and sometimes disagreements happen," Quade said. "I still have to do what I think is right, and sometimes it hurts and sometimes it's not fun. Sometimes it doesn't work. You respect the heck out of everybody, but ultimately you have to do what you think is right for 24 and not necessarily one. And last night, I thought it was time to go to the bullpen." The right-handed Dempster heads to the All-Star break with a 6-6 record and 5.01 ERA. We'd expect him to be better in the second half.

Ryan Dempster returned to action on Saturday July 9.

Ryan Dempster held the Pirates to three runs over five innings Saturday in a 6-3 win. Dempster was spotted arguing with Cubs manager Mike Quade when he was lifted after throwing just five frames, but it was a decision that worked out well for Chicago. The right-hander heads to the All-Star break with a 6-6 record and 5.01 ERA.

Ryan Dempster (back) said Thursday that he feels good and is prepared to start Saturday against the Pirates. Dempster played catch Wednesday and throw a bullpen session Thursday without incident. The veteran right-hander was scratched from Monday's start due to soreness in his back and middle torso, but it sounds like he's good to go for Saturday.

Ryan Dempster (middle body) played catch Wednesday and will throw a side session Thursday. If the bullpen session goes well, he'll likely be cleared to start Saturday. Dempster was scratched from Monday's start due to soreness in his back and middle torso. "He played catch today and felt pretty good," Cubs manager Mike Quade said. "We'll see how he comes in tomorrow, see if he can't toe the rubber and pitch a little off the mound tomorrow. We'll hope that can happen tomorrow, and if it does, we'll look at the Pittsburgh series."

Ryan Dempster (middle body) is hoping to make a start before the All-Star break. Dempster was scratched from his scheduled Monday outing against the Cubs after reporting soreness in his back and middle torso. "It just seems like it's a product of his intestinal issues over the last couple of days," Cubs manager Mike Quade said. "I'm not smart enough to know that, but it's his whole (core) region." Dempster will try to prove his health with a bullpen session early this week.

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times is reporting that Ryan Dempster will miss his next scheduled start due to back pain. It sounds like Dempster will avoid a stint on the disabled list, so for now consider him day-to-day. Wittenmyer suggests minor leaguer Casey Coleman will be called up to fill in for Dempster on Monday.

Ryan Dempster mowed down the Giants at home on Wednesday, allowing just one run on three hits in eight innings of Chicago's 2-1 victory at home. Dempster threw eight scoreless innings before allowing Pat Burrell to reach on a leadoff double in the ninth. Burrell would cross the plate two batters later with Carlos Marmol on the mound. Dempster struck out six and walked none in lowering his ERA to 4.99 and WHIP to 1.41. The eight-inning outing was his first of the season.