James McDonald yielded three runs on four hits and three walks over six innings in a loss Tuesday to the Giants. He struck out four and gave up a pair of homers. McDonald has allowed at least three earned runs in three straight starts. Coming into those appearances, he had tossed consecutive scoreless outings. He'll bring a 4.24 ERA and 1.50 WHIP into a matchup against the Cardinals next week.

James McDonald twirled 5 1/3 innings of shutout ball against the Braves Monday, striking out nine in a 3-1 win. He scattered eight hits and didn't walk a batter, racking up 92 pitches before he was pulled. Since his last start of June, McDonald has allowed just five earned runs in five starts covering 29 2/3 innings (1.52 ERA). Though he's been inconsistent this season, he's now 7-4 and has his ERA down to 3.95, but that comes with an ugly 1.54 WHIP.

James McDonald yielded three runs on five hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings but left with a no-decision in Friday's 7-4 win over the Cubs. He also hit a batter. McDonald had pitched well his last two times out, but failing to go deep into a game is nothing new for him. He's now walked 49 over 97 2/3 innings this season, good for a 4.5 BB/9 rate. Though he still has untapped potential, the inconsistency with McDonald has made him a less than ideal mixed league play.

James McDonald allowed two runs over 6 1/3 innings as part of a no-decision against the Nationals on Saturday. McDonald held the Nats to just one run over the first six innings of the ballgame, but was pulled after giving up a game-tying solo homer to Rick Ankiel. Though he didn't get a win, he managed to strike out seven batters in a start for the first time since May 13. He's generally been pretty solid since mid-May, so we wouldn't hesitate using him against the Cubs next week.