MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Mark your calendars: Prior to return Tuesday, Dempster to start Wednesday

Published on May 22, 2004 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


Lansing- Last Thursday night, the Lugnuts got the honor of hosting Mark Prior at Oldsmobile Park. This Tuesday, Prior will return to Lansing with some company.

Prior, who worked three scoreless innings on May 20th, will be returning to Lansing for an encore pitching performance, barring any last minute aches and pains, with the Lugnuts on Tuesday, May 25th when Lansing plays host to the West Michigan Whitecaps at 7:05 p.m. The next day, Prior's new teammate, Ryan Dempster, a free agent signee by the Cubs in the offseason, will also be making a rehab start for the Lugnuts on their second Grand Slam School Day at 10:35 a.m.

The 23-year-old Prior's second rehab start should last about 60 pitches or so and will be the last appearance that the top pick of the Cubs in 2001 will be making in the capital city. Dempster, on the other hand, may be making more than one start for Lansing beyond his May 26th appearance, potentially making as many as four starts for the ballclub.

Dempster, who is recovering from "Tommy John" surgery on his right elbow, is a 27-year-old righthander that just completed his 5th season in the big leagues with the Cincinnati Reds before having season-ending surgery on August 4, 2003. Last season with the Reds, Dempster compiled a 3-7 mark with a 6.54 ERA in 22 appearances. He had been in extended spring training with the Cubs in Mesa, AZ before coming to Lansing.

Born in Gibsons, British Columbia, the Denver, CO resident was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 3rd round of the 1995 draft and was traded to the Florida Marlins' organization in August of 1996. Dempster spent the remainder of the year in the Midwest League with the Kane County Cougars, going 2-1 with a 2.73 ERA in four games. He made his major league debut with the Marlins on May 23, 1998 in relief against the Pittsburgh Pirates and ironically, his first big league start came on June 1, 1998 at Wrigley Field. Dempster had back-to-back winning seasons with the Marlins in 2000 (14-10) and 2001 (15-12), before being traded to the Cincinnati organization on July 11, 2002. Lifetime in the big leagues, he is 50-55 with a 5.01 ERA in 156 starts for the Marlins and Reds. He has struck out 778 hitters over 964.0 innings.

The Lugnuts homestand continues through the weekend against the Fort Wayne Wizards and wraps up next week as the West Michigan Whitecaps play a four-game series through Thursday night. For tickets, call 517.485.4500, ext. 251 or log on to the Lugnuts' website at www.lansinglugnuts.com. The box office is open M-F 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to the middle of the sixth inning on game days.

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Midwest League Stories from May 22, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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