The Rangers moved on from a former top prospect on Thursday, trading right-handed swingman Dane Dunning to the Braves in exchange for righty reliever José Ruiz and cash.
Dunning, who was on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 with Texas in 2021, had bounced between Triple-A Round Rock and the Majors in 2025 after being designated for assignment on April 30. After being used primarily as a starter during his first four seasons with Texas, he pitched out of the bullpen in all five of his appearances this season, posting a 3.38 ERA.
Dunning’s best Major League season came in 2023, when he made 26 starts and nine relief appearances and posted a 3.70 ERA in 172 2/3 innings. But his numbers took a downturn in 2024, when he had a 5.31 ERA for the Rangers in 26 games (15 starts).
He could be a rotation option for a Braves team currently dealing with serious injuries to Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach and AJ Smith-Shawver. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated veteran reliever Jesse Chavez for assignment as a corresponding move.
Ruiz pitched in just two games for Atlanta this season with a 13.50 ERA after beginning his 2025 season with the Phillies. After an 8.16 ERA in 16 games for Philadelphia, he was DFA’d on June 1 and claimed off waivers by the Braves six days later. He will report to Triple-A.
