>> Theo: Dempster Had Right To Block Braves Trade

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein says Ryan Dempster had a right to block a trade to Atlanta and does not deserve criticism for it.

Epstein says they were on "great terms throughout the entire process."

The Cubs wound up trading their ace to Texas for two minor leaguers. But Epstein acknowledged he would have preferred to complete the deal with Atlanta for pitching prospect Randall Delgado that was on the table last week. It fell apart because Dempster, who had veto power, would not immediately give his approval.

Epstein says he didn't exactly turn down the Braves deal. He says Dempster said "not now." He had told the Cubs that he would consider Atlanta, but the Dodgers were his first choice.

>>Cubs Recall Volstad, Cabrera

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Chicago Cubs have recalled pitchers Chris Volstad and Alberto Cabrera from Triple-A Iowa.  The 25-year-old Volstad will join the Cubs for the third time this season.  He is 0-and-7 with a 7.94 ERA in nine starts with the club this year.  The 23-year-old Cabrera combined to go 4-and-1 with five saves and a 3.11 ERA in 36 appearances between Double-A Tennessee and Iowa this season.  In addition, Chicago optioned pitcher Casey Coleman to Iowa.  Coleman made the spot start for the Cubs against Pittsburgh on Tuesday after Ryan Dempster was traded to Texas.