CHICAGO – Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster carries a 27-inning scoreless streak into today's game against Arizona which also could be one of his last with the Cubs.
With the July 31 trade deadline nearly, another solid outing by Dempster (4-3, 1.99 ERA) could mark his last if the Cubs move him to a contender. In his last start, Dempster's first since coming off the disabled list, he threw five scoreless innings. However in his last five starts against the Diamondbacks, Dempster is 1-4 with 9.26 ERA.
Manager Dale Sveum said Dempster will likely throw between 85-95 pitches today.
Right-hander Joe Saunders (4-5, 3.44) starts for Arizona after being activated from the DL before the game.
The Cubs have turned a double play in eight consecutive games. They last turned a double play in nine straight games July 14-23, 1994.
Diamondbacks starting lineup
1. Gerardo Parra, LF
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Justin Upton, RF
4. Miguel Montero, C
5. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
6. Stephen Drew, SS
7. Chris Young, CF
8. Geoff Blum, 3B
9. Joe Saunders, P
Cubs starting lineup
1. Reed Johnson, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Jeff Baker, RF
6. Geovany Soto, C
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Luis Valbuena, 3B
9. Ryan Dempster, P
-- Meghan Montemurro
