Braves acquire P Dane Dunning from Rangers before their July 18 series vs. the Yankees. Can the new arm help Atlanta stop Aaron Judge and the Bronx Bombers?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the walls were closing in, the front office made a move. On the eve of a crucial series against the New York Yankees, the Braves have bolstered their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Dane Dunning from the Texas Rangers. It's a clear signal that despite a tough 3-7 stretch and a 42-53 record, the team is still looking to compete as the second half gets underway.
The Yankees are led by Aaron Judge, who is putting up MVP numbers with a .355 batting average, 35 home runs, and 81 RBIs.
The newest Brave is 30-year-old righty Dane Dunning, acquired from the Rangers for reliever José Ruiz and cash considerations. While Dunning has only made five MLB appearances in 2025, he's been effective, posting a 3.38 ERA and 1.313 WHIP out of the bullpen. More importantly, he's under team control through 2026, making this more than just a rental. It's a savvy move to add a controllable, solid arm to a pitching staff that needs depth. Ruiz, a nine-year veteran, heads to Texas after spending the first half of the season in Atlanta.
The timing of the trade couldn't be more critical, as the Bronx Bombers are in town. The Yankees (53-43) boast one of baseball's most potent offenses, ranking third in MLB with 5.2 runs per game. The Braves, meanwhile, have struggled to score, ranking 21st with just 4.1 runs per game and riding a two-game losing streak. The lineup will need to find a spark from guys like Matt Olson (.262 AVG, 17 HR) and Austin Riley (.274 AVG) to keep pace with the MVP-caliber production of Aaron Judge.
It's impossible to discuss the Braves' current situation without acknowledging who's missing. The team continues to tread water without two of its biggest stars, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. Acuña remains on the 10-day IL recovering from left knee surgery, while Strider is on the 15-day IL following his own right elbow procedure. Their absence puts immense pressure on the rest of the roster and provides crucial context for the team's sub-.500 record and the front office's moves to find production from external sources.
The acquisition of Dane Dunning is a proactive step, but the real test begins tonight against the Yankees. Can this team, battered but not broken, rise to the occasion and steal a win from a top contender? A strong showing this weekend could be the catalyst the Braves desperately need to turn their season around. All eyes will be on Truist Park for the 11:15 PM ET first pitch.
