The St. Louis Cardinals (47-45) are fighting to stay in the National League playoff picture every time they take the field, but the same is not true for the Chicago Cubs (38-53). With the fourth-worst record in the NL and a farm system in desperate need of pitching talent, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein is open to trading anyone. The biggest name on the trade block is Ryan Dempster, who is slated to start on Friday night but could easily be dealt before that time.

The Cubs reportedly have a Triple-A pitcher ready to step in if Dempster is dealt before game time, so the pitching matchup could change at any moment. In any case, the Cardinals plan to start Kyle Lohse on their end.

TV: FOX Sports Midwest

Game Time: 7:15 p.m. CT

Location: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

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