7/4 Dempster may be ready Sunday

Ryan Dempster doesn’t want to wait until after the All-Star break to pitch. He may be ready to go Sunday. After throwing his second bullpen since going on the disabled list June 16, Dempster said Wednesday he might be ready for the series finale against the Mets, which is the Cubs last game before the break. He’ll wait to see how he feels Thursday.

“It’s easy to say ‘yes’ today when you feel great throwing a side,” he said. “We’ll see how it feels tomorrow.”

He’s been sidelined with a sore right lat, and says he feels as if he has his full range of motion and strength back. It seems a little rushed but Dale Sveum didn’t dismiss the idea.

“I know he’s serious [about it] and we’ll give it some thought,” Sveum said.

Wouldn’t Dempster need at least a simulated game to face hitters?

“I’ve faced them before,” he deadpanned. “I’m hoping they haven’t changed too much in the last couple weeks.”

– Carrie Muskat