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Dodgers send pitcher James McDonald to minors

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James McDonald, the 25-year-old Long Beach native who has slumped badly after again being a contender for the fifth spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation when spring training began, was sent back to the minor leagues Saturday night.

The move came after the right-hander was rocked Friday night in a Cactus League game against the San Diego Padres. McDonald gave up six earned runs in only 1 1/3 innings, including a three-run home run by Dusty Ryan.

McDonald overall surrendered 12 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings this spring, and Dodgers Manager Joe Torre had signaled Saturday morning that McDonald might need to be in the minors to get enough practice to work out his problems.

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The tall, lanky McDonald came out of camp a year ago as the team’s fifth starter, but he wobbled in April. Then he moved to the bullpen and pitched relatively well for the rest of the season, going 4-4 with a 2.72 earned-run average.

-- Jim Peltz

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