Dempster, not seriously hurt

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Closer Dempster doing better
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster received treatment Thursday for his bruised right forearm and could be available to pitch by Saturday.

Dempster was injured by a comebacker by New York's Mike Piazza to end the 10th inning Wednesday. X-rays of Dempster's forearm were negative.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Thursday there was a "50-50 chance" that Dempster could pitch on Friday when the team opens a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. It was more likely that Dempster would be available on Saturday.

Dempster started the season in the rotation, but was switched to the closer role last Sunday. In two relief appearances so far, he's 0-for-1 in save opportunities, but did pick up the win on Wednesday. Dempster has given up three runs on seven hits and one walk over three innings while striking out four.

The Cubs already have six players on the disabled list, including reliever Joe Borowski, who faced one batter and struck him out for Triple-A Iowa in a Minor League rehab outing Wednesday. In five innings over five games, Borowski has given up two earned runs on three hits and one walk while striking out three.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Good to hear. We don't need another player to be on the DL.