Former Catfish named SL Pitcher of the Week

Former Columbus Catfish pitcher James McDonald (Catfish 2006) was named Pitcher of the Week for the Southern League.

Southern League
James McDonald, Jacksonville
1-0, 1.38 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 13 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 16 SO
The California native picked up his first victory in nearly a month on Sunday, when he tossed six innings of two-run ball at Mobile. He scattered six hits, striking out seven and walking just one. That came on the heels of his best effort of the season -- seven innings of shutout ball at home against Carolina on Tuesday. McDonald tied a season high with nine strikeouts in that game and didn't walk a batter. He lowered his season ERA from 5.27 to 4.02 during the week.

McDonald played for the Catfish in 2006, earning SAL Pitcher of the Week honors the last week of the season. Last year, he picked up California League Pitcher of the Week honors for the week ending June 19. He was also named a Minor League All-Star by Baseball America for 2007.

During 2006 as a member of the Catfish, McDonald appeared in 30 games, 22 as a starter. Though he only went 5-10, his ERA was a respectable 3.98. He had 1 shutout, and had 2 complete games. No one in the SAL had more that year. McDonald allowed just 15 earned runs, 5th best in the league. McDonald was a member of the Catfish when they were a Dodgers affiliate. He's now at the Dodgers' Double-A team in Jacksonville.