Rays Add Infield Depth in Trade With White Sox for Oliver Dunn

The Tampa Bay Rays have made a trade, and it may help them quickly address their injury problems. On Wednesday, it was announced that the Tampa Bay Rays have acquired INF Oliver Dunn from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for LHP Joe Rock. 

The move comes at a very convenient time for Tampa Bay. The squad is still waiting on the debut of Gavin Lux, who was acquired at the beginning of the season but continues to have trouble with his rehab assignments, as well as the recent injury to Ben Williamson, who was placed on the injured list on Wednesday. 

Dunn, who is hitting .295 with a .938 OPS with Triple-A Charlotte this season and has been immediately added to the Rays' Major League roster.

Dunn didn't have the best luck during his short stints in the major leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 and 2025, but that doesn't mean it can't happen with the Tampa Bay Rays. The organization has a really good eye for identifying potential and turning past failed attempts into successes at Tropicana Field. 

Worst-case scenario, this continues to add depth inside the Rays' organization. If this transaction pays off for Eric Neander, more assets can be directed toward adding potential arms and maybe a power bat if they choose to be aggressive at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. 

In other roster moves, Steven Matz returns to the active roster after dealing with left elbow inflammation. He got the start on Wednesday and looked strong in his short outing. The 34-year-old went four innings and allowed only one earned run, striking out five on 67 pitches. It's not surprising they played it safe with Mats upon his return from the injured list, but his optimistic numbers should have him back to normal usage by his next start. 

The Rays will have an off day on Thursday as they travel to the Northeast to begin a six-game road trip. They will begin in the Bronx against the New York Yankees for three games and end at Camden Yards against the Baltimore Orioles. The six-game AL East road trip could really help push the Rays further ahead in the division standings. The team currently has a 3.5 game lead over the Yankees after Wednesday's series-sweeping win over the Orioles.