Pirates designated RHP James McDonald for assignment. My, how the mighty have fallen. The 28-year-old former top prospect posted a brilliant 9-3 record, 2.37 ERA and 100/31 K/BB ratio before the All-Star break a season ago, but since then has delivered an abysmal 5.90 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 108 1/3 innings. He's been sidelined since June 21 due to shoulder discomfort, recently progressing to a minor league rehab assignment this week. He's still talented enough to where there should be a team willing to give him a spot on their 40-man roster.