Former Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster joins MLB Network

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Pugliese-USA TODAY Sports

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster will take his talents to cable television as an analyst with MLB Network, tweets Chicago Sun Times’ Chris DeLuca.

Dempster as been a frequent guest on MLB Network’s top shows, MLB Tonight and Intentional Talk with Chris Rose and Kevin Millar. The 36-year-old will make his debut on the network Wednesday live from Wrigley Field’s 100th anniversary celebration, notes De Luca.

Two months ago, reports surfaced that Dempster would not play in 2014, but he left the door open to a return. There is no indication that this move means retirement for him.

Dempster earned a World Series ring last season with the Boston Red Sox and has a 132-133 record with a 4.35 ERA and 2,075 strikeouts over his career. In nearly nine seasons with the Cubs, he went 67-66 with a 3.74 ERA and 1,070 strikeouts, which ranks him 11th in team history.

Dempster becomes the second member of the 2007-08 Cubs’ NL Central Division champion to join the network, after Mark DeRosa did this offseason.

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