After weeks of anticipation, the Colorado Rockies have officially reinstated rookie sensation Chase Dollander from the 15-day injured list. The move comes as a much-needed boost for the team, who are hoping to regain momentum after a rocky stretch of games.
Dollander, just 23, had been sidelined since May 18 after experiencing tightness in his right forearm following a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Though the injury wasn’t deemed serious, the Rockies opted to rest him as a precaution — a wise move given his value to the team’s future.
Now fully recovered, Dollander returns to the mound tonight against the Miami Marlins, energized and eager to pick up where he left off. With eight starts under his belt, he’s posted a 6.28 ERA and recorded 38 strikeouts in 38 2⁄3 innings. While those numbers reflect the growing pains of a rookie season, the Rockies believe the best is yet to come.
“Chase has looked sharp in his bullpen sessions and has been itching to get back,” said Rockies manager Bud Black before Tuesday’s game. “He’s got the stuff, the mindset, and now he’s back to help us compete.”
Dollander’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Colorado recently snapped an eight-game losing streak and is desperate for consistency on the mound. His electric fastball and developing command give fans and coaches alike reason for optimism.
In a corresponding move, right-hander Tanner Gordon was placed on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain after stepping in admirably during Dollander’s absence. Meanwhile, the bullpen has also been shuffled, with rookie closer Zach Agnos stepping away on bereavement leave following the loss of his grandfather. Reliever Angel Chivilli has been called up from Triple-A to fill in.
For now, though, all eyes are on Dollander — not just for what he’s done, but for what he could become. The Rockies drafted him with high expectations, and tonight, under the lights at Coors Field, he gets another shot to prove why he was worth the hype.