Dunning elected to become a free agent Thursday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being removed from Atlanta's 40-man roster, Dunning has exercised his right to free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. The 30-year-old swingman has managed just a 5.60 ERA over 15 starts and 23 relief appearances at the big-league level since 2024.

Dunning cleared waivers Wednesday and was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning pitched 10 innings for Atlanta after joining the organization in July, during which he surrendered 12 earned runs while striking out 11 batters and walking two. The 30-year-old will have the option to elect free agency, though his recent performance may cause him to struggle to attract more than a minor-league contract.

Atlanta optioned Dunning to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning has struggled in a mop-up role with Atlanta, posting a 10.80 ERA over seven appearances. His spot on the roster and in the bullpen will be absorbed by Jhancarlos Lara.

Atlanta recalled Dunning from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Atlanta's bullpen saw heavy use over the previous two days, so Dunning will join the big club to provide a fresh relief arm. He's allowed 13 runs over 17.1 innings covering 10 appearances in the majors between Texas and Atlanta in 2025.

Atlanta optioned Dunning to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning spent 48 hours up with the major-league club during his latest recall. He's pitched in five games out of the bullpen for Atlanta this season, registering a 12.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 8:2 K:BB across 6.2 innings of work.

Atlanta recalled Dunning from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning has been torched for nine runs over 5.2 innings during his time with Atlanta. He will give the bullpen some length.

Atlanta optioned Dunning to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander surrendered five runs without recording an out Thursday against the Reds and is being demoted in favor of Austin Cox. In four appearances since being acquired by Atlanta, Dunning has given up nine runs with a 6:2 K:BB over 5.2 innings.

Dunning gave up one run on two hits and a walk over three innings of relief in Sunday's loss to the Yankees. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran righty was acquired from the Rangers to provide a beleaguered Atlanta bullpen with some length, and Dunning did exactly that in his debut for the team. With only two healthy, reliable starters in the rotation in Spencer Strider and Grant Holmes, who took the loss in a quality start Sunday, Dunning figures to see plenty of action over the final months of the season. Through 13.2 big-league innings this season over six relief appearances between Texas and Atlanta, the 30-year-old has a 3.29 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB.

Atlanta added Dunning to the major-league roster Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was assigned to Triple-A Round Rock last week before being traded by the Rangers on Thursday, and he'll join the big-league squad for his new team to kick off the second half. Dunning has a 3.38 ERA and 10:5 K:BB over 10.2 frames in the majors this season and is expected to serve as a long reliever for Atlanta.

Dunning is expected to work out of the bullpen for Atlanta, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the team is in need of starting pitching depth, Dunning will instead fill a long-relief role once he joins the big-league roster, providing length behind what will likely be a parade of unproven or unreliable arms in the rotation during the second half of the season. The 30-year-old right-hander has made five MLB appearances for the Rangers in 2025, all in relief, and posted a 3.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB over 10.2 innings.