{"id":96550,"date":"2025-02-27T23:33:21","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T04:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=96550"},"modified":"2025-02-27T23:33:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T04:33:21","slug":"four-takeaways-first-week-rockies-spring-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/02\/27\/four-takeaways-first-week-rockies-spring-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Four Takeaways From the Early Stages of Rockies Spring Training"},"content":{"rendered":"

On February 27, the Colorado Rockies sit at 6-1 in Cactus League action, good for second in the National League and first in the NL West. It is, however, still spring training, and that record means next to nothing. But for a team projected to be a cellar dweller<\/a> this season, the strong start to spring training by the Rockies has been fun to watch. Several Rockies deserve attention for their performances. Here are four takeaways from the Rockies’ spring training as the first week of play draws to a close.<\/p>\n

Early Takeaways from Rockies Spring Training<\/h2>\n

Chase Dollander Lives up To Billing in First Start<\/h3>\n

The Rockies’ number two prospect per MLB Pipeline, right-handed pitcher Chase Dollander, is projected to appear in the big leagues this season. With one spring training start under his belt, Dollander has Rockies fans dreaming of the future. Rockies fans have witnessed an injury-plagued rotation the past couple of seasons. So, Dollander being effective immediately is an exciting prospect to think about.<\/p>\n

Against the San Francisco Giants on February 24, Dollander showed some of what makes him such an exciting prospect. Besides a solo homer by center fielder Jung Hoo Lee, Dollander was lights out in a start against future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. Dollander began with a three-pitch strikeout of first baseman Lamonte Wade Jr. and closed out the first with another three-pitch K of third baseman Matt Chapman. Dollander easily took care of the Giants in the second, working around a two-out single.<\/p>\n

In one start, Dollander showed all the ingredients the Rockies rotation sorely needs. He pounded the strike zone. His three strikeouts are tied with lefty Austin Gomber for the best by a Rockies pitcher, combined with zero walks. Dollander still has a lot of spring left, and he will no doubt take his lumps at some point. But his first start in spring training could not have gone much better.<\/p>\n

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The very first batter he faces in his Cactus League debut, #Rockies<\/a> Chase Dollander gets a three-pitch strikeout against the Giants\u2019 LaMonte Wade Jr. pic.twitter.com\/Heqg32fjq9<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Patrick Lyons (@PatrickDLyons) February 24, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n