Sun 9/25/11 4:58 PM

James McDonald gave up three runs -- one earned -- on six hits and two walks over five innings in Sunday's loss to the Reds. He struck out four and needed a whopping 105 pitches to get through the five frames. McDonald wasn't helped out by his defense in this one, but he's got to start being more efficient if he wants to take that next step. He'll conclude the year with a 4.21 ERA and 1.49 WHIP but should have a rotation spot sewn up for next year.