The Cubs approached the trade deadline with two major pieces to sell in Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza. The expectation was that Dempster would get moved first, and that then the Cubs could focus on trying to arrange a blockbuster. The Dempster sweepstakes haven't gone as planned, as neither the Braves nor Dodgers have yet been able to reach a deal. And now the Garza sweepstakes has run aground as well. Cubs!

Garza was removed from his last start with a minor injury, to his triceps. Initially there was optimism that he'd be fine and ready for his next turn, but that optimism has faded.

#Cubs Matt Garza not expected to pitch until late next week. MRI was clean. Says he's feeling better

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 27, 2012

Garza's okay, and he'll be back to pitching soon, but he won't be back to pitching before the deadline, which you have to figure hurts his value. Last time out, he lasted just three innings, and that was on July 21. While the nature of Garza's injury is such that he shouldn't be much of a risk down the stretch, teams probably just won't pay for Garza now what they would had he been healthy, so now it doesn't look like Garza will get dealt. If he doesn't, the Cubs will presumably re-visit trade negotiations in the offseason.

Garza's the owner of a 3.91 ERA through 18 starts, with three strikeouts for every walk.