Korean-American pitcher Dane Dunning is headed to the Atlanta Braves.
The Atlanta Braves have strengthened their pitching staff by acquiring Dane Dunning (30), a member of the 2023 World Series championship team, from the Texas Rangers, securing a swingman resource capable of serving in both starting and bullpen roles.
The American sports media outlet Sports Illustrated reported on the 18th (Korean time) that "Atlanta has acquired Dane Dunning through a trade with Texas, sending right-handed reliever José Luis and cash in return."
Dunning began his professional Major League Baseball career when he was traded from the Chicago White Sox to Texas in 2020. Over the next four years, he bounced between starting and bullpen roles, becoming a key pitcher for the team. In particular, in 2023, he recorded 12 wins, 7 losses, an earned run average of 3.70, a WHIP of 1.263, and a WAR of 2.7, contributing to Texas's journey to the World Series championship.
This season, he started the year in Triple-A and appeared in only 5 games in the major leagues as a reliever, posting an earned run average of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.313. With opportunities dwindling early in the season, he is expected to aim for a fresh start through the trade to Atlanta.
Atlanta designated veteran pitcher Jesse Chavez for assignment to register Dunning on the 40-man roster. Dunning's team rights remain until 2026, so he could be included in both short-term reinforcement and long-term plans.
Meanwhile, José Luis, heading to Texas, was traded to Atlanta after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies during the season, but he struggled with an earned run average of 8.16 over two appearances. After being demoted to Triple-A, it became difficult for Luis to bounce back, and he aims for a turnaround in Texas.
Interestingly, both players have a connection from their time together in the Chicago White Sox in 2020. In particular, Luis is a bullpen resource who spent most of his career serving in 177 games for the White Sox.
With this trade of pitchers taking place two weeks before the trade deadline, both teams are expected to embark on a significant restructuring of their rosters.
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