Right-hander Ryan Dempster is the de facto new ace of the pitching staff. As such, manager Lou Piniella wants to get him as many starts as possible.
Once again, Piniella has shuffled his rotation. Originally, he had Dempster pitching Saturday against the White Sox and right-hander Sean Gallagher going in Friday's series opener. Piniella said Wednesday he's flip-flopping the two. By Piniella's math, that gets Dempster one additional start before the All-Star break.
Dempster worked eight innings Sunday in a 7-1 victory over the White Sox. Because Dempster had a recent complete game and went only five innings the next time out, Piniella had wanted to back him off.
But Dempster threw only 103 pitches against the White Sox. Couple that with ace Carlos Zambrano being on the disabled list until at least July 4, and Piniella feels the need to pitch Dempster as often as possible. Two-fifths of the starting rotation is missing, with Zambrano hurt and lefty Rich Hill struggling in the minor leagues.
CUBS 7, ORIOLES 4: The Cubs scored four times in the first inning and twice in the second. Chicago batters drew 10 walks, including three by Jim Edmonds, who homered leading off the fourth. Ted Lilly worked seven innings, giving up five hits and four runs, all coming from a pair of two-run homers by Jay Payton. Kerry Wood earned his 20th save.
