The Chicago Cubs today activated right-handed pitcher Ryan Dempster from the 15-day disabled list. To make room for Dempster on the roster, the Cubs optioned right-handed pitcher Justin Berg to Triple-A Iowa.
Dempster will make the start tonight against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field. He was placed on the disabled list three weeks ago on July 7 with a great right toe fracture.
In 2009, Dempster is 5-5 with a 4.09 ERA (48 ER/105.2 IP) in 17 starts for the Cubs. He has struck out 89 batters and walked 44 while limiting opponents to a .258 batting average. He has allowed three earned runs or less in six of his last seven starts, going 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA (14 ER/44.1 IP) in those outings.
Berg was recalled from Iowa last Saturday and did not make a major league appearance. He is 4-1 with a 2.00 ERA (8 ER/36.0 IP) in 24 relief appearances at Triple-A this season.