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McDonald, Wandy slowed on comeback trail

SEATTLE -- Two cogs of the Pirates' season-opening rotation have hit snags of various severity in their rehabs from injuries.

James McDonald continues to have difficulty getting his shoulder loose and remained on the disabled list, even after his 30-day rehab assignment expired on Tuesday. Plans to have McDonald visit Dr. James Andrews fell through due to the renowned sports orthopedist's schedule, so the pitcher instead will consult club doctors in Pittsburgh.

Meanwhile, left-hander Wandy Rodriguez's throwing program has been slowed after he reported some soreness following his first rehab outing on Sunday for Triple-A Indianapolis. Rodriguez's planned bullpen session was pushed back from Tuesday to Friday. If that goes well, he would make another rehab start on Monday.

The soreness experienced by Rodriguez was not in the same forearm area that landed him on the DL on June 11. He was quite effective in that initial rehab start, allowing four hits and a run in four innings against Charlotte, while striking out five and walking one.

"We're just taking precautions," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Wandy wasn't sure if he was sore because of the 18 days [between pitching appearances] or was just sore."

McDonald, disabled on May 7 with shoulder discomfort, made four starts for Indianapolis, allowing 26 hits and 16 runs in 20 2/3 innings. Two days following his most recent outing, he reported the continuing discomfort.

"He continued to be challenged trying to get loose, and it became a concern," Hurdle said.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.
Read More: Pittsburgh Pirates, Wandy Rodriguez, James McDonald