James McDonald labored through five innings but escaped with a no-decision Thursday, allowing three runs in a 6-4 win over the Phillies. McDonald gave up five hits, walked three and threw a wild pitch, needing 87 pitches to cover the five frames. He did enough to keep the team in it, though, and the offense rallied late. Much like he was last season, McDonald has been inconsistent so far, putting up a 4.38 ERA and 1.46 WHIP through five starts. He'll need to tighten things up to avoid being replaced once all the Pirates' starters are healthy. The righty gets Milwaukee next week.

James McDonald struck out nine while allowing just one run in six innings in the Pirates' win over the Braves on Saturday. McDonald needed that after getting pounded by the Cardinals his last time out. The right-hander did walk four batters but only allowed two hits on the evening. McDonald has now turned in two really good starts and two not-so-good ones this season, so it's tough to know what to expect from him in his next outing Thursday against the Phillies.

James McDonald was lit up for eight runs -- three earned -- in 1 2/3 innings by the Cardinals on Monday. McDonald struggled with his command right from the get go tonight, but he still would have been out of the second down 3-1 if not for a Clint Barmes throwing error with two outs. It was McDonald's second straight poor outing after he allowing one run and two hits over seen innings in his season debut. It wouldn't be a bad idea to bench him with the Braves next on the schedule.

James McDonald limited the Cubs to one earned run over seven innings Thursday in a no-decision. The Pirates weren't able to muster any runs until the ninth inning and wound up losing 3-2. McDonald did his part, striking out four batters and allowing only two hits over the first seven frames. He will look to keep rolling next week against the Diamondbacks.

James McDonald gave up four runs in two innings as the Pirates lost to their Double-A Altoona affiliate 8-6 on Saturday. Well, to be fair, Altoona did get to use four Pirates pitchers, while the actual Pirates used just two before going with minor leaguers. Still, it doesn't look very good to lose to the Double-A team. McDonald was one of the NL's best pitchers for the first half of last season, but he hasn't really looked like that guy this spring. Mixed leaguers can do better.

Despite some command issues, James McDonald shut out the Rays for four innings on Thursday. McDonald walked three and hit a batter, but he allowed just one hit in the contest. It was a better showing than his last, when he gave up three homers in three innings against the Orioles.

James McDonald was tagged for three homers and four runs in three innings by the Orioles on Friday. McDonald had a strong case to make the NL All-Star squad last year before fading quickly in the second half. His rotation spot is assured right now, but the Pirates will want more consistency from him this year.

Pirates avoided arbitration with RHP James McDonald by agreeing to a one-year contract. The financial details aren't yet available, but the midpoint when figures were exchanged earlier this month was $3.025 million. McDonald, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time, posted a 4.21 ERA with 151 strikeouts over 171 innings last season.

James McDonald requested $3.4 million and was offered $2.65 million from the Pirates when arbitration figures were exchanged Friday. McDonald is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter following an up-and-down season in which he posted a 4.21 ERA and 151 strikeouts over 171 innings. Look for the two sides to settle somewhere around $3 million.

The Pirates have removed James McDonald from their rotation. It's a move that had to be made, as McDonald has been a disaster for a couple months now, posting a 7.08 ERA in 12 second half starts. Kyle McPherson will take his place in the rotation starting on Wednesday, when he'll face the Brewers.