Despite the hiccup with the Braves, Ryan Dempster doesn't expect to pitch in a Cubs uniform again this season. After suffering a loss to the Pirates on Wednesday said there was a "really strong possibility" that it was his last start with the team.
Dempster told reporters he'd use Thursday's off-day to re-examine his options.
"I'm going to take a plane ride and try to enjoy my off-day, if that's possible," he said (via the Chicago Tribune). "Then kind of see where I'm at from there."
Braves general manager Frank Wren said earlier on Wednesday that it's "highly unlikely" the team would still deal for Dempster. Dempster said he understood the Braves' stance, but wouldn't rule out accepting a trade to Atlanta if the two teams agreed to another deal.
"They also have a job to do, which is to better their team," Dempster said (from the Tribune). "They can't worry about waiting around for me to make my decision. I understand that fully, and if that's still an option down the road, that's something I'm going to look at. I'm going to try and make the best decision for me and my family."
Dempster fell to 5-5 and saw his ERA rise to 2.25, allowing three runs on five hits in six innings against the Pirates. And after throwing what might have been his final pitch as a Cub, he threw his final fit as a Cub.
Dempster said he was surprised and upset he was taken out after the sixth inning.
"I'm fine. I'm allowed to be upset," he said (via the Tribune). "I respect (manager Dale Sveum) a lot. That's his decision. It doesn't mean I have to be happy about it. At the end of the day, he's just trying to do what's best for the ballclub. I have nothing but respect for that. Just the competitor in me wants to get out there and keep trying to pitch."
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