The Rangers have traded 30-year-old to the Braves in exchange for minor league reliever José Ruiz and cash. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated Jesse Chavez for assignment. Ruiz was outrighted last month. Although Texas’ roster is technically down to 38 players, it will return to 39 when they call up first baseman Rowdy Tellez tomorrow.
This move appears to be a salary dump for the Rangers, as Dunning has lost favor over the last couple of seasons. The former first-round pick posted a solid 3.70 ERA over 172 2/3 innings during the World Series-winning season two years ago, but struggled to a 5.31 ERA in 95 innings last year. Despite being tendered a contract, Dunning had to accept a rare arbitration pay cut to stay with the team.
However, he didn’t secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 30-year-old pitcher gave up 10 runs in 11 innings during Spring Training and was waived at the end of camp in hopes that another team would take on his \$2.66 million salary. When no one claimed him, he spent most of the year in Triple-A.
Dunning was called up in April, cleared waivers again in May, and was re-added to the roster last month. He has made five MLB appearances, all in relief, allowing four runs in 10 2/3 innings. In the minors, he has worked as a starter and posted a 4.47 ERA over 46 1/3 innings in the Pacific Coast League. He’s struck out 24% of batters while walking 9% in Triple-A.
The Rangers weren’t likely to give Dane Dunning anything beyond mop-up duties, as he had fallen behind Patrick Corbin, Jack Leiter, and Kumar Rocker in the depth chart. With Jon Gray set to return soon from a wrist fracture, Dunning’s chances of cracking the rotation in Texas were slim. In contrast, he now has a better shot at a rotation spot with Atlanta, who have been hit hard by injuries.
The Braves are missing key pitchers like Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López, and AJ Smith-Shawver. They’ve had to rely on Bryce Elder, who has posted nearly a 6.00 ERA over 15 starts, and Davis Daniel, who made his first start of the season just before the All-Star Break. Meanwhile, Didier Fuentes, a 20-year-old, was pressed into action far earlier than expected and is now back in Triple-A. Dunning, who has been a reliable back-end starter in the past, might begin in long relief but could eventually compete for a rotation spot. The Braves are also planning to start swingman Joey Wentz on Saturday against the Yankees.
Dunning still has an option remaining and will be eligible for arbitration at least once more. While it’s possible the Braves could non-tender him, they gave up little to acquire him.
José Ruiz, 30, is a journeyman reliever who had a solid 2023 with the Phillies, posting a 3.71 ERA and striking out 24% of batters in 52 appearances. However, his performance has slipped this season, allowing 17 runs over 16 1/3 MLB innings. Atlanta claimed him off waivers from Philadelphia, but they waived him after a rough outing in his second appearance. Ruiz has since pitched 7 2/3 innings with a 4.68 ERA in Triple-A, and the Rangers assigned him to their top affiliate in Round Rock.
Ruiz was set to earn a \$1.225 million arbitration salary with the Phillies, and the Braves assumed that contract when they claimed him. The Braves will cover part of that salary. Dunning is owed roughly \$1 million for the remainder of the season, while Ruiz will be paid about \$450,000. In essence, it’s a salary swap that saves the Rangers about \$550,000, with the potential for further savings depending on how much of Ruiz’s salary Atlanta covers.
While this is a small amount by MLB standards, the Rangers are motivated to trim costs, especially on the fringes of their roster. Texas is looking to stay under the \$241 million luxury tax threshold, with their current estimated number around \$234 million before the trade.
As the Rangers push for a playoff spot, they’ll need to acquire at least one impact bat, and likely multiple hitters. They also could benefit from adding a power arm to the back of their bullpen. Dunning was one of the more obvious candidates for a salary dump as the trade deadline nears, though other players like Jon Gray, Adolis García, and Jonah Heim might also be moved to free up payroll.
As for Jesse Chavez, he will be waived again for the third time this season. There’s a good chance he’ll clear waivers, elect free agency, and potentially re-sign with Atlanta on a minor league deal. The 41-year-old right-hander has struggled in four MLB appearances this season, giving up eight runs in eight innings, but has been solid in the minors with a 2.05 ERA over 30 2/3 innings.
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