He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.

His pitch selection include a fastball in the 95-98 mph range, a slider, curve, and a changeup used only occasionally.

MacDougal made his major league debut as a starting pitcher, but suffered a fractured skull late in the 2001 season when he was struck in the head by a bat that had escaped from the hand of Carlos Beltrán.

He lost his job as the Royals' closer to Jeremy Affeldt and spent much of the 2004 season in the minor leagues.

[12] After only about a week after his first appearance of the year, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox for minor-league pitchers Tyler Lumsden and Dan Cortes on July 24, 2006.

[9] He also spent more time on the DL with right-shoulder inflammation,[15] and was also optioned to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights in June due to his struggles.

[20] On February 18, 2010, MacDougal signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins with an invite to spring training.

[24] On July 7, 2010, MacDougal signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals,[25] making his debut for Triple-A Memphis that night, giving up two runs on two hits in one inning pitched.

MacDougal made his Cardinals debut on July 28, 2010, earning the win in a 7–6 victory over the New York Mets.

[33] On June 25, MacDougal signed a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies and reported to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.