The Atlanta Braves are evaluating ways to improve as they begin the second half of the season, and one of their first moves was to add a World Series champion to the roster — but it came at the cost of saying goodbye to veteran reliever José Ruiz.
In a move that caught some by surprise, the Braves parted ways with Ruiz, who had only been with Atlanta for one season. Despite his nine years of MLB experience, he was limited to just two appearances this year and never had a chance to make a significant impact.
Coming in return is Dane Dunning, a 2023 World Series champion with the Texas Rangers. He brings postseason experience and has proven during the regular season that he can be a valuable starting pitcher capable of helping his team make a deep run.
Dunning aiming for a strong comeback
In the 2025 season, Dunning made only five appearances — none of them as a starter. The Rangers used him in short stints, and he spent time in the minors working on refining parts of his game. He hasn’t had a solid season since helping Texas win its first World Series title.
Dunning’s best year came in 2023, when he went 12-7 during the Rangers’ championship run. That season marked career highs in appearances (35) and his second-highest total in starts (26). It was also the first time in his career he finished with a winning record.
The Braves’ bullpen situation
In addition to a rash of injuries to their pitching staff, Atlanta’s bullpen has shown signs of needing reinforcements. Still, the group has held its own — with a collective 3.55 ERA, the Braves currently rank seventh in that category across MLB. Another capable arm could certainly help, but time will tell how the team plans to use Dunning.
see also
Top MLB players who never won a ring: Greatness without a championship
