McDonald removed from Pirates starting rotation

CHICAGO (AP) James McDonald has been removed from the Pittsburgh Pirates' starting rotation.

McDonald has fallen off considerably since a strong first half. The 27-year-old right-hander has allowed 14 runs in his last three starts - a total of 12 innings pitched. He walked four batters and allowed four runs in just 3 2-3 innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Sunday that McDonald would become available out of the bullpen around Tuesday. McDonald is 3-5 with a 7.08 ERA in the second half, after going 9-3 with a 2.37 ERA in the first half.

``As the games count down, we've got to look to give ourselves the best shot to win a game,'' Hurdle said. ``Sometimes the realization something's been taken away, maybe that can help him . a different kind of route, as far as focus, as far as attention.''

McDonald admitted a lack of focus after taking the loss Friday. He matched his career-high with 171 innings pitched, set in 2011. Hurdle did not think fatigue was an issue.

``I didn't see the fatigue, but the execution was challenging to say the least,'' Hurdle said. ``I think it's all part of the maturation process of a young man, a starting pitcher in the Major Leagues, and we've definitely seen two different sides of it this year, two different halves.''

Right-hander Kyle McPherson will start in McDonald's place Wednesday against Milwaukee. The 24-year-old has 11 strikeouts in 11 2-3 relief innings this season.

``There are many people who speak highly of him throughout our organization,'' Hurdle said. ``We'd like to see what he can do.''

Pittsburgh snapped a seven-game slide Saturday and enters Sunday just two games behind St. Louis and Los Angeles for the second wild card spot.