Ryan Dempster gave up four runs -- two earned -- on nine hits and a walk over six innings in Friday's 6-4 win over the Royals. A solid bounce-back effort from last week's disappointing showing against the Yankees. Dempster has now allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of 11 outings since the beginning of May after failing to do so a single time in April. He's a much better pitcher than his 5.31 ERA and 1.49 WHIP tells you. Dempster gets the Giants next.

Ryan Dempster yielded three runs over 5 1/3 innings in Saturday's loss to the Yankees. Dempster allowed eight hits and a season-high six walks, yet only three runs managed to score. That's more lucky than good. He tossed a season-high 119 pitches before being pulled in the top of the sixth. Dempster entered Saturday's start with some momentum, but he has been very frustrating to own during the first half of the season. He'll hope to get back on track against the Royals next week.