7/23 Dempster to Braves

MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reports Monday the Braves have acquired pitcher Ryan Dempster from the Cubs. Young hurler Randall Delgado could potentially head to Chicago in return.

Dempster, 35, who has the best ERA in baseball among starting pitchers at 2.11, is signed through the end of this season. The two-time All-Star has won 10 or more games in each of the last four seasons and is 5-4 this year. Dempster has recorded a quality start in 10 of his 15 outings and has surrendered more than four runs in just one appearance.

The Braves signed Delgado, 22, a native of Panama, as an amateur free agent in 2006. He was 4-9 with a 4.42 ERA this season.

The Cubs, at 38-56 entering Monday’s action, are expected to be major sellers before the July 31 Trade Deadline. Atlanta, on the other hand, sits 3 1/2 games behind Washington for the National League East lead. The teams split a four-game set at Nationals Park over the weekend. The Braves hold a half-game edge over the Dodgers for the second NL Wild Card spot.

Earlier this season, Atlanta lost promising young starter Brandon Beachy to Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old had posted a 5-5 record and 2.00 ERA in 13 starts prior to being shelved for the year. Atlanta recently took a flier on veteran Ben Sheets, who has delivered a pair of scoreless, victorious outings since joining the staff.

– Carrie Muskat