Cubs crush White Sox 12-3 to kick off Crosstown Classic; Ryan Dempster to DL; Geo Soto is back; other roster moves

The Cubs crushed the White Sox 12-3 to open the three-game Crosstown Classic series at U.S. Cellular Field tonight.  Matt Garza started for the Cubs and allowed three runs on five hits while striking out six and walking one batter over six innings pitched.  Out of Garza's 87 pitches, 59 were strikes.

The Cubs celebrate their 12-3 win over the White Sox on Monday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Bryan LaHair, Starlin Castro, Alfonso Soriano, Geovany Soto and Luis Valbuena all hit home runs tonight to add to the Cubs' offense.

Bryan LaHair crosses home plate after his two-run homer in the third inning against the White Sox (Getty Images photo)

Regardless of the Cubs' record this season, it's always fun to watch the Northsiders beat up on the Sox!

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein before the Crosstown Classic game Monday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, right handed pitcher Ryan Dempster was placed on the 15-day disabled list today for tightness in his right lat (near his shoulder).  Randy Wells will move from the bullpen to the starting rotation while Dempster is on the DL and will make the start for the Cubs on Wednesday against the Sox.  Scott Maine was called up from Triple-A Iowa to take Wells' spot in the bullpen.

Catcher Geovany Soto was activated from the DL today and was in the starting lineup tonight.  In a corresponding move, Wellington Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.  Guess all that talk from Cubs manager Dale Sveum about the possibility of using three catchers was just that...a possibility. 

Having Bryan LaHair play right field tonight suggests that the Cubs may be getting ready to call up first baseman Anthony Rizzo from Triple-A Iowa soon.  Last season when LaHair was called up to the major leagues, he played in right field nine times and in left field five times, so this is somewhat familiar to him.  But this also makes me think if the Cubs might be thinking of trading right fielder David DeJesus?  Unless DeJesus will play center field (like he did tonight) and share the position with Tony Campana?  Hmmm, the next month or so should be interesting!

Tomorrow the Crosstown Classic will continue at 7:10pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his first win of the season.  Let's Go Cubbies!