30 years old pitcher was traded from the Texas Rangers to the Atlanta Braves on July 17, 2025, in exchange for right-handed reliever José Ruiz and cash considerations. The move was intended to help the Braves strengthen their pitching staff amid ongoing injury issues.
At the time of the trade, Dunning had posted a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings over five games with the Rangers. His performance showed promise, and the Braves saw value in acquiring a pitcher who could provide depth and flexibility.
The Braves were facing injuries to several key pitchers and were looking to strengthen their bullpen. Dunning’s ability to serve as a long reliever made him an appealing option for the team as they sought to maintain competitiveness during the season.
After the trade, Dunning was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to continue his development and get more innings under his belt. This move allowed the Braves to keep him sharp and ready for a potential call-up.
On August 19, 2025, Dunning was recalled to the major league roster following several solid performances in the minors. The Braves hoped he could translate his minor league success into effective innings at the big-league level.
However, during his brief time with the Braves, Dunning struggled, posting a high 14.29 ERA in four appearances. This rough patch led to his demotion back to Triple-A Gwinnett as the team reevaluated their pitching options.
Prior to the trade, Dunning had been placed on waivers by the Rangers in March 2025 but cleared waivers and remained with the organization until the July deal. This indicated that while there was interest in moving him, teams were cautious about his immediate major league impact.
The trade has sparked discussion about its potential implications for both the Rangers and Braves. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see how José Ruiz will contribute to Texas, while Atlanta hopes Dunning can regain his form and help stabilize their bullpen.
