MESA, Ariz. -- Chicago Cubs pitcher James McDonald says his sore right shoulder isn’t as bad as last season when he was limited to six starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“A little tendinitis symptoms,” McDonald said a day after leaving a spring start after throwing two pitches. “It felt a little sore warming up. Me being cautious I wanted to say something, didn’t want it to end up being something worse.”
McDonald has had a rough spring trying to rebound from his shoulder issues of a year ago. He’s given up eight runs in 5.2 innings while walking nine without a strikeout. He said he was feeling better Tuesday and is hopeful this isn’t big setback.
“Nowhere near the extent like it was last year,” he stated. “Last year, I had trouble lifting my arm.”
McDonald signed a 1-year, $1 million deal last month and was in competition for a roster spot. Between the injuries and struggles, he would be considered a long shot to make the team out of spring training right now.
His contract is non-guaranteed.
