PLAYING TIME: McDonald leads list of rotation-spot losers

NATIONAL LEAGUE

James McDonald loses rotation spot

With wild card aspirations, the Pirates decided they would be better off down the stretch without James McDonald (RHP, PIT) in their starting rotation. After a sterling first half (2.44 ERA, 0.98 WHIP), McDonald has had a reversal of fortune in the second half (6.12 ERA, 1.59 WHIP). The skills show that McDonald was not that good (3.57 xERA) in the first half nor was he that bad in second (4.70 xERA). Still, his performance left a lot to be desired in the second half. Though McDonald's overall PQS-DOM/DIS is a respectable 52%/34%, over his last 12 starts, those figures had flipped. McDonald had four DOM starts against six DIS (33%/50%), sealing his fate with three straight PQS-DIS...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Jeremiah Jackson should get some PT over the short-term as Holliday heads to the IL. Plus Culpepper out in MIN, Pham back in CWS, and more.
Sep 17 2026 8:49am
Jesús Luzardo leaves a hole in the Phillies' rotation. Plus López and Fairbanks to IL; Maikel Garcia and Noah Schultz return, and more.
Sep 16 2026 8:48am
Rafael Devers heads for surgery, which solidifies Bryce Eldridge's position for the final two weeks. Plus Bradish and Jump to IL; Contreras and Edwards return.
Sep 14 2026 9:15am
Shea Langeliers is back to DH; Josh Jung and Nathan Eovaldi return for Texas; Anthony Volpe picking up 2B work; and more...
Sep 13 2026 8:07am
Pittsburgh activates Ryan O'Hearn but may have lost Esmerlyn Valdez. Dodgers call up De Paula, Braves lose Lane Thomas...
Sep 12 2026 7:50am

Tools