McDonald has elected free agency, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

McDonald missed the entire 2014 season after dealing with shoulder soreness and tendinitis during spring training. He has a 4.20 ERA in his big league career, working as both a starter and reliever.

Cubs placed RHP James McDonald on the 60-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis.

McDonald downplayed his shoulder injury a couple weeks ago, but obviously it's more serious than he let on. Given that he battled shoulder issues last year, as well, it's no surprise that the Cubs are playing it safe.

James McDonald told reporters on Tuesday that he is merely battling shoulder tendinitis.

McDonald was lifted from a Cactus League appearance on Monday after experiencing discomfort in his right shoulder. Tendinitis is nothing major, but McDonald also had shoulder problems last season and wound up posting a 5.76 ERA in 29 2/3 innings with the Pirates. He's doubtful to be a reliable rotation option this year for the Cubs.

James McDonald was diagnosed with right shoulder soreness.

This after he left Monday's Cactus League appearance after throwing just two pitches. It's a troubling development given McDonald's past shoulder issues.

James McDonald left Monday's Cactus League start with an apparent injury.

McDonald left the mound with a trainer after his second pitch sailed to the backstop. This would seem to indicate a possible arm issue, but that's just speculation for now. The Cubs should pass along an update soon.

James McDonald was much better in his second Cactus League start for the Cubs, tossing a pair of scoreless innings in a losing effort against the Angels on Friday.

McDonald who had a brutal debut last week, allowed just one hit in his two frames. While he remains highly-talented, his consistency the remainder of the spring could be the deciding factor on whether he wins a spot on the Opening Day roster.

James McDonald had an underwhelming Cactus League debut with the Cubs on Friday, allowing six runs on three hits and three walks in only one inning of work.

McDonald surrendered a pair of home runs in the forgettable outing, including a grand slam to Mike Trout. The once highly-touted prospect is expected to compete for a spot in the Cubs rotation this spring, but he certainly hasn't done anything to earn that spot just yet.

Cubs signed RHP James McDonald to a one-year, $1 million contract.

It was originally reported as a minor league deal, but the 29-year-old right-hander actually got some guaranteed money. He will compete for a spot in the Cubs' rotation this spring after flaming out with the Pirates in 2013. McDonald owns a 4.20 career ERA.

Cubs signed RHP James McDonald to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

McDonald made just six starts for the Pirates last season, posting a 5.76 ERA while also battling shoulder issues. He flashed plenty of upside for them from 2011-12, though, posting a 4.21 ERA while striking out 293 over 342 frames. McDonald should get a shot to compete for a rotation spot with the Cubs but could wind up in the bullpen. It's a solid no-risk move for Chicago.

James McDonald refused his assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis and has elected to become a free agent.

It was somewhat surprising to see McDonald go unclaimed on waivers after he was designated for assignment last week, but now any team is free to sign him without being on the hook for his remaining salary this season. Still just 28-years-old, there should be several teams willing to take him on as a reclamation project.

Pirates sent RHP James McDonald outright to Triple-A Indianapolis.

It's a tad surprising that McDonald cleared waivers after being designated for assignment, as he still has plenty of talent in spite of how poorly he's pitched since last year's All-Star break. Evidently no one wanted to pick up what remained of his $3.025 million price tag for the rest of the season when they knew he'll be non-tendered over the winter.

Pirates designated RHP James McDonald for assignment.

My, how the mighty have fallen. The 28-year-old former top prospect posted a brilliant 9-3 record, 2.37 ERA and 100/31 K/BB ratio before the All-Star break a season ago, but since then has delivered an abysmal 5.90 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 108 1/3 innings. He's been sidelined since June 21 due to shoulder discomfort, recently progressing to a minor league rehab assignment this week. He's still talented enough to where there should be a team willing to give him a spot on their 40-man roster.

James McDonald (shoulder) has been sent to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin a rehab assignment.

Out since June 21 due to lingering shoulder discomfort, McDonald is probably only a few clean outings from returning to the Buccos in a bullpen role. The right-hander logged an ugly 5.76 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over 29 2/3 innings earlier this season.

James McDonald (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday.

McDonald is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game this week before possibly being sent on a rehab assignment. Out since June 21 due to lingering discomfort in his pitching shoulder, he should return in a relief role when healthy.

James McDonald (shoulder) is tentatively scheduled to resume a throwing program next week.

McDonald hasn't pitched since June 21 due to lingering discomfort in his pitching shoulder. Even if he progresses well from here on out, he doesn't figure to be activated until well into August.

Pirates transferred RHP James McDonald from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

The move was made in order to clear space on the 40-man roster for the addition of Russ Canzler. McDonald remains shut down with right shoulder tightness.

James McDonald (shoulder) will be shut down for the next 2-3 weeks.

The decision was made after McDonald received a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister. His shoulder is fine structurally, but he's still dealing with some tightness. McDonald doesn't figure to be an option for the Pirates until August, and it's probably more likely he'll be used as a reliever at this point.

James McDonald will receive a second opinion this week from Dr. Keith Meister on his ailing right shoulder.

The Pirates have not revealed the results of the first exam on McDonald's shoulder. The right-hander hasn't pitched since June 21 due to lingering discomfort and should be considered out indefinitely.

James McDonald (shoulder) will not see Dr. James Andrews.

An earlier report from the Pirates said that McDonald was experiencing lingering discomfort in his shoulder and was scheduled to be examined by Dr. James Andrews next week. But that visit won't happen due to a scheduling conflict. McDonald remains out indefinitely.

James McDonald is still experiencing discomfort in his shoulder and will visit Dr. James Andrews next week.

McDonald has been on the disabled list since May 7 and has not been able to make much progress. The Pirates will hope that Dr. Andrews can provide some answers. McDonald is to be considered out indefinitely at this point.