Pirates place struggling McDonald on DL with stiff shoulder

After a strong 2012, James McDonald has been highly inconsistent to start the 2013 campaign.

Jeffrey Phelps/AP

PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed struggling right-handed pitcher James McDonald on the 15-day disabled list with stiffness in his right shoulder and recalled infielder Josh Harrison from Triple-A Indianapolis.

The move came just hours before McDonald was scheduled to pitch on Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners. Jeanmar Gomez will start in McDonald's place.

The 28-year-old McDonald is 2-2 with a 5.76 ERA in six starts this season. He was rocked in his last start in Milwaukee on April 30, giving up seven runs on eight hits in five innings. His velocity has also dipped this spring, though McDonald has insisted he was not concerned about his health.

McDonald's move is retroactive to May 1. He will miss at least one more start.