Cubs, RHP James McDonald agree to terms on one-year contract

The Chicago Cubs and right-handed pitcher James McDonald have agreed to terms on a 2014 contract.   Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

McDonald, 29, is 32-30 with a 4.20 ERA (239 ER/512.1 IP) in 131 major league appearances (82 starts) with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-10) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2010-13). In his most-recent full major league season in 2012, McDonald went 12-8 with a 4.21 ERA (80 ER/171.0 IP) in 30 appearances (29 starts), setting a career high in wins a year after making a career-high 31 starts in 2011 (9-9, 4.21 ERA). He was limited to only six starts last year (2-2, 5.76 ERA) due to right shoulder discomfort that did not allow for a big league start after April 30. 

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound McDonald broke into the big leagues with the Dodgers in 2008 at the age of 23 and split the next three seasons between the majors and minors before enjoying his first full big league campaign in 2011. He was the Dodgers Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2007 and 2008.

McDonald is a native of Long Beach, Calif. and was originally selected by the Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2002 Draft. He is a first cousin of current Cubs teammate Darnell McDonald.