Trade Talk, Bullpen, B.J. Ryan, and More

Berg Sent to AAA
Justin Berg warmed up in last night's extra inning thriller, but he was not used in the game. He will head back to AAA Iowa without making his big league debut yet. Berg was optioned to make room for Ryan Dempster to come of the DL and start tonight's game.

'Pen Spent
In last night's 13-inning win, the Cubs used almost every guy in the bullpen last night. Berg, the only guy well rested, was sent down. They got some key pitching from Stevens and Samardzija, but tonight they need Dempster to make the most of his pitches, he will be on a limit of about 85 tosses.

More Deadline Talk
With the Trade Deadline just 4 days away, the big question is "Will the Cubs make a trade?". Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun Times says that Cub fans shouldn't expect Jim Hendry to pull of a blockbuster deal, but don't expect him to walk away empty-handed either. George Sherrill of Baltimore and Joe Beimel of Washington are among the Cubs lead targets for the bullpen according to Gordon.

Ryan to Pitch for I-Cubs
Lefty B.J. Ryan will make his Iowa Cubs debut in tonight's game in Omaha. Casey Fossum will start the 7:05 game, then Ryan will pitch in relief. If all goes well tonight, Ryan could join the Cubs' bullpen in the next week.

Patton Rehab
David Patton rehabbed for the Tennessee Smokies last night and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in 2.2 innings, however neither of the runs where earned. Patton most likely will continue to rehab form his "groin injury" until rosters' expand in September. The Cubs cannot officially send Patton to the minors because he was a Rule 5 Draft pick, but he can stay on the DL and rehab in the minors.

Knee Surgery
Ted Lilly, who is on the DL with both a knee injury and inflamed pitching shoulder, underwent arthroscopic surgery to his left knee Monday, and he is expected to return to the team sometime in mid-August. Everthing went very well according to Carrie Muskat of Cubs.com.

That's it for now, Let's go get our 6th "W" in a row!!