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.

James McDonald (shoulder) has been sent to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin a rehab assignment. Out since June 21 due to lingering shoulder discomfort, McDonald is probably only a few clean outings from returning to the Buccos in a bullpen role. The right-hander logged an ugly 5.76 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over 29 2/3 innings earlier this season.

James McDonald (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday. McDonald is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game this week before possibly being sent on a rehab assignment. Out since June 21 due to lingering discomfort in his pitching shoulder, he should return in a relief role when healthy.

James McDonald (shoulder) is tentatively scheduled to resume a throwing program next week. McDonald hasn't pitched since June 21 due to lingering discomfort in his pitching shoulder. Even if he progresses well from here on out, he doesn't figure to be activated until well into August.

Pirates transferred RHP James McDonald from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. The move was made in order to clear space on the 40-man roster for the addition of Russ Canzler. McDonald remains shut down with right shoulder tightness.

James McDonald (shoulder) will be shut down for the next 2-3 weeks. The decision was made after McDonald received a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister. His shoulder is fine structurally, but he's still dealing with some tightness. McDonald doesn't figure to be an option for the Pirates until August, and it's probably more likely he'll be used as a reliever at this point.

James McDonald will receive a second opinion this week from Dr. Keith Meister on his ailing right shoulder. The Pirates have not revealed the results of the first exam on McDonald's shoulder. The right-hander hasn't pitched since June 21 due to lingering discomfort and should be considered out indefinitely.

James McDonald (shoulder) will not see Dr. James Andrews. An earlier report from the Pirates said that McDonald was experiencing lingering discomfort in his shoulder and was scheduled to be examined by Dr. James Andrews next week. But that visit won't happen due to a scheduling conflict. McDonald remains out indefinitely.

James McDonald is still experiencing discomfort in his shoulder and will visit Dr. James Andrews next week. McDonald has been on the disabled list since May 7 and has not been able to make much progress. The Pirates will hope that Dr. Andrews can provide some answers. McDonald is to be considered out indefinitely at this point.

James McDonald (shoulder) might be moved to the bullpen when he is activated from the disabled list. Gerrit Cole's promotion and Charlie Morton's return created a potential logjam in the Pittsburgh rotation and McDonald is probably going to have to be the odd man out. The 28-year-old right-hander owns a 5.76 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 29 2/3 innings this season. He is on the 15-day DL currently because of inflammation in his right shoulder.