In a move that could shake things up in the AL West, the Texas Rangers have brought in right-hander Jose Ruiz from the Atlanta Braves, sending righty Dane Dunning the other way along with some cash considerations. This transaction is more than just a numbers game; it reflects the Rangers’ strategy to fortify their bullpen as the season progresses.
Ruiz, who’s had a bit of a rollercoaster season, has bounced between the major leagues and Triple-A. At 30 years old, he’s seen his fair share of ups and downs, most recently with the Philadelphia Phillies and then with Atlanta. In the big leagues this year, he accumulated 16 relief appearances with the Phillies before being designated for assignment. The Braves picked him up quickly, yet he only saw action in two games for them. Overall, he’s had a challenging year statistically, looking at an 8.82 ERA across both teams in 18 appearances and notching 15 strikeouts over 16⅓ innings. He will report to the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock, where he’ll look to refine his game.
On the flip side, Dane Dunning has provided steady, though not spectacular, support for the Rangers. This season, he’s logged 10⅔ innings without a decision, maintaining a respectable 3.38 ERA across five games. Since joining the Rangers from the Chicago White Sox in December 2020, Dunning has racked up a 26-32 record with a 4.36 ERA over 122 appearances. His departure might leave a gap in Texas’ rotation, but it appears the front office is betting on Ruiz’s potential to revitalize the bullpen.
Ultimately, this trade underscores the ongoing adjustments teams are making as they work towards their postseason goals. The Rangers have their sights set high, and bringing Ruiz on board reflects their belief in the importance of depth and versatility in their pitching staff. With the season in full swing, every acquisition counts, and Rangers fans will be keeping a close eye on how Ruiz performs moving forward.
