Dempster Set To Make Rangers' Debut Thursday

Arlington, Texas is a long way from the North Side of Chicago, but Ryan Dempster will likely feel right at home when he makes his Rangers’ debut on Thursday. This is because, as Ron Washington announced this week, Dempster’s catcher in Chicago, Geovany Soto, will be behind the plate when Texas takes on the Los Angeles Angels and CJ Wilson in the finale of a four-game set.

Dempster and Soto were acquired in separate deals this week, with Soto coming over on Monday and Dempster on Tuesday. 

"That’s crazy how that worked out," Dempster said, per ESPN Dallas. "It wasn’t planned that way by any means. But that’s nice knowing when you go to a team. Just having him there and having that comfort level of a catcher who’s caught you so many years, it’s definitely something that can play to our benefit.”

Dempster, who comes to Texas with a 2.25 ERA but a record of just 5-5 with the Cubs, is understandably thrilled to join a team that’s pushing for a third World Series berth in as many years.

"They have team speed, power, defense, a tremendous bullpen, one of the best coaching staffs around the league, just a first class organization,” Dempster said. “I’m happy to be a part of it and looking forward to going out there and putting that Rangers uniform on.

"I'm excited to go to a team that's a really great team. Hopefully I can go up there and help them win a World Series."