Dollander can deal: The Rockies made the right call with their rookie phenom but they'll be patient now

The sample size is growing. And it seems to be that, when Colorado Rockies’ phenom Chase Dollander is on, he’s a star in the making. It’s just that, he’s going to have plenty fo starts still where he’s way off.

That’s the life of a big-league rookie, no matter how talented he might be.

In Dollander’s last start, he was spectacular against the Atlanta Braves, allowing just two hits and striking out four in 5.2 innings. The start was his third quality start of his rookie campaign, and his second win of his first campaign in the major leagues.

Dollander, who was called up one week into the regular season, has appeared in six games, and though he’s shown flashes of brilliance, he’s still got an ERA over 6, which is even higher than the Rockies’ team ERA. That’s because several starts have seen Dollander struggle to command hitters. He’s throwing strikes and striking plenty of batters out. In fact, he has 25 strikeouts in 25 innings, but, he’s also struggling with his curveball at times, and when his command is off, he’s not able to avoid big innings from opposing offenses.

Again, that’s the life of a rookie starter.

The good news is, the Rockies are going to be patient, and careful with Dollander. He’s too good of a pitcher not to be, and the Rockies understand that there will be more outings like the one against the Braves in their future. They just have to keep giving Dollander starts, and the opportunity to figure things out as he goes along.

The same was true for spring training, where Dollander would sparkle, and where he led the Rockies in strikeouts, but where outings would also get away from him. It’s happening during the regular season, too, but, Manager Bud Black and the Rockies’ brass has already seen enough from Dollander to know that, while he’s pitching in the present, he’s also going to be the future. 

And that’s why, whatever the Rockies get from Dollander this season, and there will be bad with the good, the longterm good is worth it.

Yes, while most of the Rockies’ longterm future is really uncertain, especially right now, there’s nothing uncertain about Dollander. No, it’s a certainty that, if he can stay healthy, and the Rockies can manage him right, he is the future of the franchise. 

That much is certain.

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