Dunning allowed one hit and struck out one over 1.2 scoreless innings to earn a hold in Friday's 6-2 win over the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning doused a minor eruption in the sixth inning -- a runner on and no outs -- and pitched into the seventh before giving way to Will Smith. It was the first hold for Dunning, who has not allowed a run over five outings (11 innings).

Dunning allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one over four scoreless relief innings in Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has adjusted well to a multi-inning relief role, having thrown seven shutout innings over two appearances. Tuesday's effort shut down the Birds after they took a 7-1 lead in the third inning off starter Andrew Heaney. Texas starters have a 6.94 ERA while the bullpen is at 0.83 through five games. If this continues, Dunning, who made 29 starts in 2022, could rejoin the rotation.

Dunning allowed three hits over three scoreless innings to earn a hold in Saturday's 16-3 win over the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning opened the sixth inning with Texas up 7-4, then was gifted additional support from the offense. He got just one swing-and-miss, but Philadelphia hitters failed to generate much hard contact against him. Dunning will serve as a multi-inning reliever, particularly early on when the Rangers restrict starters in April.

Dunning allowed two hits and one walk in a scoreless relief inning in Friday's spring game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning made four starts during the Cactus League and recently threw six innings, but there's no room for him in the rotation. The right-hander recently told Kennedi Landry of MLB.com that he would like to be a starter but is open to relieving. His eventual role will be as a multi-inning reliever, which will come in handy early when some starters, like Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, may be on restricted pitch counts after dealing with injuries this spring.

Dunning allowed five runs (four earned) on 10 hits and struck out four over six innings in Monday's spring start against Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning was the first Rangers hurler to work six innings, but Texas manager Bruce Bochy won't need him in a starting role. The right-hander appears to be ticketed for a bullpen/long-relief role, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The Rangers have a couple of starters -- Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi -- that were delayed in camp and won't be stretched out to go deep into games. That leaves Dunning and lefty Cole Ragans as a potential piggyback options early in the season.

Dunning allowed one hit and one walk while striking out six over five shutout innings in Wednesday's spring start against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Since getting rocked as a reliever in his Cactus League debut, Dunning has been superb in subsequent outings. In three starts, the right-hander has allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out 13 over 12 innings. Despite the good numbers, Dunning is on the outside of the Rangers' projected rotation, which includes newcomers Jacob deGrom (side), Nathan Eovaldi (side) and Andrew Heaney. He's setting himself up to be the top fill-in starter and possibly a piggyback option for deGrom and Eovaldi, both of whom Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said may be on restrictive pitch counts to open the season, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The Rangers also have a long man in Jake Odorizzi, but an arm issue means he won't be ready by Opening Day.

Dunning allowed two hits and one walk while striking out two over four scoreless innings in Friday's spring start against Oakland.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning has bounced back nicely following his first Cactus League appearance, when he allowed five runs over 1.1 innings as a reliever. Since then, the right-hander's allowed one run and struck out seven over seven innings. The starting rotation is locked, but Dunning is putting himself in a position as the top candidate should Texas need a fill-in starter.

Dunning allowed one run on three hits while striking out five over three innings in Thursday's spring game against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

This was Dunning's first Cactus League start and second appearance. The right-hander was part of Texas' rotation in 2022 but is on the outside of the top five starters as the 2023 regular season approaches. Barring injury to members of the projected rotation, the 28-year-old will likely occupy a multi-inning relief role during the regular season. Dunning was rocked in his one relief effort this spring, ceding five runs on three hits and two walks over 1.1 innings following starter Nathan Eovaldi.

Dunning (hip) struck out five on Monday in a live bullpen session, Jesse Borek of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dunning saw his 2022 season come to an early end in September because of season-ending hip surgery. The right-hander's ability to face hitters this early in camp suggests he's back to full health, but he'll still likely have to battle for a spot in the back end of the Texas rotation if he endures no setbacks in camp. Dunning finished last season with a 4.46 ERA, 137:62 K:BB and 1.43 WHIP over 153.2 innings, but he finds himself further down the depth chart to begin 2023 after the Rangers picked up Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and Andrew Heaney during the offseason.

Dunning (hip) was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

It was announced over the weekend that Dunning would require season-ending hip surgery, so his move to the injured list was inevitable. The 27-year-old had a 4.46 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 137:62 K:BB over 153.2 innings this year, and it's unclear if he'll be fully recovered for the start of spring training in February.