The Chicago Cubs have been shopping veteran starting pitchers Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza, but haven't been able to catch a break with the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline rapidly approaching. Dempster has resisted a trade to the Atlanta Braves and now the market appears to be drying up now that his preference to land with the Los Angeles Dodgers is known. As for Garza, he will be shut down heading into the trade deadline due to fluid buildup in his right triceps.

MRI shows fluid still in Garza's triceps. Won't pitch until after trade deadline.

— Doug Padilla (@ESPNChiCubs) July 27, 2012

#Cubs Sveum says Garza won't pitch til late next week.

— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) July 27, 2012

Garza and his wife are also expecting the birth of their fourth child this weekend, so every event continues to conspire against the Cubs as contenders shop for final pieces to the puzzle leading up to July 31.

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