McDonald (2-4) allowed four runs on six hits, three walks and a hit batsman while striking out four over 3.2 innings to take the loss versus the Cubs on Saturday.
McDonald didn't get much support from his teammates, but he struggled through this outing as well. It took him 92 pitches (53 strikes) to collect his 11 outs, matching his shortest start of the season. McDonald is now at a 4.64 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 41:15 K:BB over 42.2 innings through eight starts. It's not clear when Tyler Mahle (hamstring) will return from the injured list -- if he can't go next week, McDonald is projected for a road start versus the Marlins.