James McDonald continued to dazzle opponents in a victory over the Giants on Saturday, striking out ten while allowing just one run on four hits over seven innings. He continued to display impressive command of all of his pitches, allowing no walks for the second time in his last four outings. The only blemish on this day was an RBI single off the bat of Ryan Theriot in the sixth inning. One of the biggest All-Star snubs this season, McDonald posted a ridiculous 9-3 record, 2.37 ERA and 100/31 K/BB ratio over 110 innings in the first half of the season.

James McDonald went the distance Thursday in a win over the Twins, allowing one run in six innings in his first career complete game. McDonald had made 60 career starts without a complete game. Considering that he's been asked to take on a heavier workload than ever before, we're not sure it was a good idea to ask him to throw 120 pitches in a 9-1 game tonight. McDonald has been simply outstanding in amassing a 6-3 record and a 2.19 ERA. Hopefully he doesn't wear down anytime soon.

James McDonald was terrific again on Friday, but picked up a tough luck loss against the Indians, allowing only one run on three hits in his six innings of work. McDonald recorded five strikeouts and walked just two in the game. He's been remarkably consistent this season and hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any start. With this impressive outing he lowered his ERA to 2.32 on the season and owns an elite 78/24 K/BB ratio through his first 81 1/3 innings. He's been one of the best stories in baseball this season, and will look to continue his dominance when he battles the Twins at home on Thursday.

James McDonald had a rare off night Saturday against the Royals, giving up three earned runs on five hits in just four innings of work. McDonald walked two and struck out two in the brief outing. Yuniesky Betancourt's two-run homer in the top of the fourth inning was the big blow against him. He would have been in line to pick up a victory but was pinch-hit for with the bases loaded and nobody out in the bottom of the fourth. McDonald has been extremely impressive this season, boasting a 5-2 record, 2.39 ERA and 73/22 K/BB ratio through 75 1/3 innings. He'll look to get back on track next week against Cleveland.

James McDonald allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits in six innings of work Sunday, improving to 5-2 in Pittsburgh's 6-5 win over the Brewers. McDonald fanned eight and walked just one in his latest strong effort. The quality start was his seventh in eight outings, and leaves him with a 2.14 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 71/20 K/BB ratio through 71 1/3 innings. McDonald is almost certain to regress at least a little, but his dominant 2012 comes on the heels of slow but steady improvement the past two seasons. He'll get the Royals at home next weekend.

James McDonald carried a no-hitter through five innings in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Nationals. Jesus Flores broke up the no-no with a double to lead off the sixth inning. McDonald ended up allowing three runs on four hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out a career-high 11 and walking one. He struck out nine of the first 12 batters he faced and finished one shy of Erik Bedard's franchise record with six strikeouts to start the game. He now owns a 2.68 ERA through seven starts this year and appears headed for a breakout.

James McDonald pitched extremely well in a losing effort against the Astros on Friday, allowing just one run on four hits over eight innings of work. McDonald struck out eight and walked two in the game. He ran into a bit of trouble in the second inning, allowing the game's lone run to score on an double play ground out. The loss drops him to 2-2 on the season, though he owns an impressive 2.42 ERA on the season. He'll attempt to get back in the win column when he takes on the red-hot Nationals in Washington on Wednesday.

James McDonald turned in another strong performance on Saturday against the Reds, surrendering just one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings of work. McDonald racked up seven strikeouts and walked just two in the game. With the win, he improves to 2-1 on the season and lowers his ERA to 2.70. He really appears to be coming into his own, and now boasts an impressive 31/13 K/BB ratio through 36 2/3 frames. McDonald will look to continue his strong start when he takes on the Astros next weekend.

James McDonald whiffed 10 Braves hitter Monday, holding them to three runs on seven hits and two walks over 7 2/3 innings in a 9-3 win. A victim of poor run support, McDonald picked up his first win despite finishing April with a 2.97 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. The 10 strikeouts were a career-high, and he now has 24 over 30 1/3 innings. McDonald should be owned in all formats and will try to keep it going this weekend against the Reds.

James McDonald limited the Rockies to one run and one hit over seven innings in a no-decision Wednesday. McDonald had eight strikeouts, which is two more than he amassed in his first three starts combined. He has a 2.78 ERA for the season, but since he's a Pirate, he's sporting an 0-1 record.