The Rays announced that they have designated the contract of the newly acquired outfielder Oliver Dunn from Triple-A Durham. You will take the place of your partner’s program Ben Williamsonheading for the 10-day stress injury list. The Rays acquired Dunn from the White Sox in a left-handed trade Joe Rock last night.
Tampa Bay also returns a veteran left-hander Steven Matz on the 15 day injured list and the options are fine Chase Solesky to Durham on a parallel journey. Matz will start today’s game, according to the team.
Dunn, 28, doesn’t have an impressive track record in the big leagues, but he’s been unhappy with the Sox’s most-affiliated company in Charlotte this season. He’s .206/.261/.290 in parts of two seasons (145 plate appearances) with the Brewers, but Dunn hit a .295/.393/.545 clip with the Knights this season. He connected on nine homers, went 9-for-10 on steal attempts and walked at a solid 13.1% clip (against a 23.5% strikeout rate).
Dunn gives the Rays a lefty with some flexibility to step in for Williamson, who has seen time at second base, shortstop and third base for the Rays this season while hitting .268/.349/.349 (99 wRC+). Dunn has yet to play shortstop in the majors but has 262 minor league innings there (196 over the past two seasons). He has ample experience at third base and second base in addition to limited work in left field and first base.
