Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster is very likely to be dealt before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but if teams like the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers or Los Angeles Dodgers want an extra start out of Dempster they will need to strike quickly and get something going before he takes the mound on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein is certainly prepared for a deal to go down before Dempster makes his start, as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports notes that the team has a Triple-A pitcher ready to step in against St. Louis on Friday if the veteran hurler is dealt.

Source: #Cubs summoning a pitcher from Triple A to meet them in St. Louis in case Dempster is traded by game time tomorrow.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 19, 2012

As for which teams could step up, here are the latest rumors:

• Ryan Dempster Rumors: Braves, Nationals Still In On Cubs Starter
• MLB Trade Rumors 2012: Dodgers Won't Trade Zach Lee For Rental Player Like Ryan Dempster
• Ryan Dempster Trade Rumors: Red Sox Out Of The Running For Cubs RHP
• Ryan Dempster Rumors: Dodgers Make Offer To Cubs, According To Report

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more comprehensive coverage, visit Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more MLB coverage, check out Baseball Nationas well as MLB Daily Dish.