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Braves acquire Dane Dunning in trade with Rangers

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 11:39 AM ET

The Braves have made a trade, and it’s not of the selling variety, acquiring right-handed pitcher Dane Dunning in a deal with the Rangers. Jose Ruiz and cash are going to Texas, and to make room on the 40-man roster, Jesse Chavez has been designated for assignment.

The #Braves tonight acquired RHP Dane Dunning from the Texas Rangers in exchange for RHP José Ruiz and cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated RHP Jesse Chavez for assignment.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 18, 2025

Dunning has appeared in five games for the Rangers this season, all out of the bullpen. But he’s primarily been a starter throughout his career, making at least 15 starts in every season since 2021.

That’s likely how the Braves will utilize him. As things currently stand, there are really only two major-league caliber starting pitchers on the roster — two-and-a-half if you count Bryce Elder.

It’s honestly shocking it took the Braves this long to make a move like this. Dane Dunning isn’t going to save the season, but this team just needs pitchers that can eat innings at this point. Dunning can do that, and the Braves probably should be looking to add another couple of arms of his caliber before the trade deadline, so they don’t kill their entire bullpen before the end of the season.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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