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The Chicago Cubs are expected to trade veteran pitcher Ryan Dempster before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but could they deal him before his scheduled start on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals? The Cubs reportedly have a Triple-A pitcher ready to step in if Dempster is dealt before game time, so there is a real possibility a swap could happen for the first pitch (7:10 p.m. CT).
The Cardinals will start Kyle Lohse (9-2, 2.80 ERA) opposite whomever takes the mound for the Cubs, but Chicago fans will likely be more fixated on the rumor mill and trade chatter than the actual game on Friday.
TV: WGN
Game Time: 7:10 p.m. CT
Location: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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 Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish. Cardinals coverage is available at SB Nation St. Louis and Viva El Birdos.