UPDATE - The Cardinals have also checked in on Dempster, reports Heyman:

#cardinals have also checked in on dempster. #dodgers #nats #braves #tigers #others.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 20, 2012

2:00 PM EDT - Morosi has spoken with a source who says there is a "50/50" chance a deal gets done between the Dodgers and Cubs involving Dempster:

Source with knowledge of #Dodgers - #Cubs dialogue says "50/50" chance teams get deal done for Ryan Dempster. Still discussing prospects.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 20, 2012

1:30 PM EDT - Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports the Nationals are still "trying hard" for Dempster. He adds that the Braves and maybe even the Detroit Tigers are in on the veteran right-hander as well, while the Dodgers are still the "favorite."

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports has spoken with a source that says the Tigers are indeed interested in Dempster.

#nationals said trying hard on dempster. #braves in, & #tigers may be, too. 1 gm still thinks #dodgers still favorite tho

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 20, 2012

Source: #Tigers remain interested in #Cubs righty Ryan Dempster – who, by the way, is still scheduled to pitch tonight.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 20, 2012

1:09 PM EDT - Levine is reporting that the Dodgers are continuing their "hot pursuit" of Dempster, hoping to get a deal done as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Rosenthal just tweeted that talks involving Dempster could "drag on a few more days."

Dodgers continue hot pursuit of Dempster. Offer still on table. Hoping to get deal done ASAP.

— Bruce Levine (@ESPNBruceLevine) July 20, 2012

Source: Dempster talks could "drag on a few more days." Scheduled to pitch for #Cubs tonight in St. Louis.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 20, 2012

10:01 AM EDT - Right-hander Ryan Dempster is scheduled to start today’s game for the Chicago Cubs, but the veteran could be traded before the 8:15 PM ET start against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Los Angeles Dodgers are still considered as the favorite to land Dempster, but the Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals and others are in the mix as well, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:

The favored Dodgers and Cubs have gone back and forth over which prospects Los Angeles would have to send to Chicago for Ryan Dempster as talks continue Thursday night with L.A. and a few other teams.

The Dodgers have long been seen as the most likely landing spot for Dempster, but the Nationals, Braves and others were said to still be in the picture as Los Angeles and Chicago continued to barter.

The Dodgers and Cubs are reportedly exchanging names, and Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reported yesterday that LA has offered Chicago a trade proposal for Dempster. The players involved aren’t known, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says top Dodgers pitching prospect Zach Lee "will not be in a deal for a rental" such as Dempster.

Rosenthal adds that the Braves and Cubs have only spoken of "general scenarios" involving Dempster, but he says this could change if negotiations fall through with others.

While Dempster is slated to take the ball tonight, the Cubs have a backup plan in place in case the veteran is dealt prior to the start of the contest, according to Rosenthal.

Source: #Cubs summoning a pitcher from Triple A to meet them in St. Louis in case Dempster is traded by game time tomorrow.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 19, 2012

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Will Dempster start tonight for the Cubs?

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