BOSTON (CBS SPORTS) - Free agent starting pitcher Ryan Dempster is close to finalizing a deal with the Boston Red Sox, according to a report by FOX Sports. Dempster was 12-8 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 153 strikeouts in 173 innings last season for the Chicago Cubs (16 starts) and Texas Rangers (12 starts).

Since returning to a full-time starter role in 2008, Dempster is 65-49 with a 3.74 ERA.

Though it’s unlikely the Red Sox are done working on their starting pitching situation, right now it appears Dempster would join Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey and Felix Doubront in the rotation.

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