The Rockies’ pitching future is on hold.
Right-hander Chase Dollander, the franchise’s No. 1 prospect and touted as the future ace, was reassigned to minor league camp on Saturday. The Rockies also reassigned promising right-handed reliever Zach Agnos to minor league camp and optioned right-hander Jaden Hill to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Dollander’s big league camp was a mixture of “Wow!” and inconsistency. The ninth overall pick of the 2023 draft out of the University of Tennessee pitched in five Cactus League games, posting a 5.65 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and .204 average against. Dollander, 23, struck out 18, walked nine and served up three homers.
He had moments when he dominated big-league hitters. But there were innings when his fastball command got away from him, and his pitch count was too high.
Despite the demotion, the Rockies are excited about Dollander’s future.
“He’s special, absolutely,” pitching coach Darryl Scott said early in spring training. “He’s mature emotionally. He’s mature physically. The progress he’s made with his delivery since he signed with us, and what he’s done, he looks like a much more polished guy.
“He’s slowed things down — mentally. Physically, he looks under control. It wouldn’t surprise me (if he makes the team).”
But he didn’t make it, at least not for opening day. Colorado will open the season with a four-man rotation and then add lefty Austin Gomber to the mix after he builds up his arm. Gomber is expected to start the regular season on the injured list as he works his way back from a sore shoulder.
Agnos, 24, pitched in eight games (9 1/3 innings) with a 3.86 ERA. He struck out seven, walked one and gave up three home runs.
Hill, 25, posted a 6.48 ERA over eight games (8 1/3 innings), striking out 10, walking four and yielding one homer.
Colorado has 35 players remaining in major league camp, including six non-roster invitees.
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