Dane Dunning has exceeded expectations for the Texas Rangers. He threw four innings of two-hit, no-run ball with two walks and five strikeouts in his most recent start in Tampa Bay.
Dunning was part of the deal that sent veteran right-hander Lance Lynn to the Chicago White Sox this offseason. Avery Weems, a minor league lefty, was also brought down to Texas as part of the deal.
Lance Lynn tossed a full game shutout in his White Sox home debut against the Kansas City Royals, and Dunning has mowed down two AL East opponents in successive starts for both teams in 2021.
Since being drafted in the first round by the Washington Nationals in 2016, Dunning has been regarded as a promising pitcher. Prior to the 2017 season, he was traded to the White Sox in exchange for OF Adam Eaton.
Dunning has been rated as having the potential to be a quality mid-rotation starter due to his plus fastball and plus breaking throws.
Early in his Texas Rangers career, he’s easily lived up to that hype.
Although this squad lacks pitching talent, Dane Dunning’s starts have become a source of intrigue for the staff as well as a must-watch for the fans.
On the basis of performance, one could argue that Dunning is the current ace of the rotation (Kyle Gibson holds that title in theory, though).
While that’s good for now, the right-hander will be even more useful to the Texas Rangers once he can pitch as a No. 2 or even No. 3-type starter behind a true ace.
Who Does Dane Dunning Play For?
Dane Dunning plays for the Texas Rangers.