Scratch one from fifth-starter consideration: Joe Torre says James McDonald looks like reliever

It looks like the Dodgers’ fondest hope for filling the fifth spot in the rotation, James McDonald, isn’t going to happen.

Joe Torre told reporters Wednesday afternoon that "McDonald looks more like a bullpen guy."

This is the same right-hander who was given the fifth spot last spring but, after going 1-1 with an 8.78 ERA in four starts, was moved to the bullpen for the rest of the season.

He went 4-4 with a 2.72 ERA out of the bullpen, so Torre is probably on to something.

Still, it has to be disappointing that McDonald didn’t show enough this spring to remain in serious contention for the fifth spot. He’s only 25, and aside from Carlos Monasterios (24 next week) and Charlie Haeger (26), the other candidates are 30 or older -- Eric Stults (30), Russ Ortiz (35) and Ramon Ortiz (36).

"Stults and Haeger haven't done anything to hurt their chances," Torre said. "I don't think anybody for sure is on the team."

McDonald’s youth and promise made him a nice fifth-starter candidate, and if he’d pulled it off, he would have set himself up with a nice future in the rotation. After only two -- and the emphasis is on two -- spring appearances (six earned runs in four innings on eight hits and three walks), the Dodgers have apparently seen enough to make a decision.

McDonald isn’t likely to start the season at Triple-A Albuquerque, so along with Jeff Weaver, he gives the Dodgers two middle relievers who could also be swing guys if needed.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: James McDonald. Credit: Chris McGrath / Getty Images

Comments

[bob cuomo]

If I recall correctly, McDonald said he wanted to be starter this season. Well, as the Rolling Stones once said, you don't always get what you want. But he can be an effective middle reliever. There's still over two weeks of spring training left, but it sounds as if Stults and Haeger might have the inside track.

[oldbrooklynfan]

I always thought that McDonald would eventually start for the Dodgers and you know, I still think it might happen. I only hope now, that it is with the Dodgers.

[slap]

no haeger no stults if it isnt mcdonald give it to ramon ortiz.

[N.P.Krohn]

Russ Ortiz and his HR loving fastball should be playing in Japan. I don't know what to think of Haeger. Please will somebody give Stults a chance?! Jimmy Mac is proven in the pen and Ramon has the stuff to fit well there and wait on the failure of Stults or more likely an injury and he can step in to become i think a capable back of the rotation guy. Does anyone else watch Dodger games? I have seen nearly every appearance Stults has made. He pitched poorly 3-4 times in the last 2 and half years and has been brilliant twice as many times. How many times has Torre pulled him after 5 with barely more than a baserunner per inning only 1 or2 runs given up? 80-90 pitches? He has a CG each of the last 2yrs, how many could he have given more than a couple of weeks in the rotation at a time? April and May! That's all I ask! That should be good for at least one CG and 4 W's. He doesn't have a golden arm and he's 30 but for the next couple of years he could be a stud 5th starter allowing us to roll the dice on a few rookies working their way through the system now.