CHICAGO (AP) -- Ryan Dempster is staying away from all those trade rumors. He is focused on his next start for the Chicago Cubs.
The right-hander will carry a 33-inning scoreless streak into Friday's start at St. Louis, and he says that game against the Cardinals is the only thing on his mind.
Dempster can veto any trade and he says he doesn't know of any imminent deals.
Dempster is one of the best pitchers on the market ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. He has won five consecutive starts and leads the majors with a 1.86 ERA.
The Cubs, mired in fifth in the NL Central, are expected to trade Dempster and right-hander Matt Garza before the deadline.
