Chicago 8/12/2007 8:06:48 AM
News / Sports

Dempster Loses Closer Role

Because his velocity is still down after he missed time with a strained oblique, Ryan Dempster will no longer be used exclusively as a closer, manager Lou Piniella said.

Dempster had received just one save chance since returning July 20, that coming on July 24.

The Cubs want to get him steady work in the hopes of getting his velocity back in the mid-90s.

If that means he'll have to pitch earlier in games sometimes, that's how it will work.

Bobby Howry could pick up a few saves over the rest of the season.

Look for the Cubs bullpen to be a problem in the upcoming weeks.

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