How the Rockies Rotation Has Fared This Spring

But while Sugano has yet to pitch this spring with the Rockies, Lorenzen has started three games. Unlike in the WBC, he has struggled mightily, posting an unsightly 14.29 ERA over 5 2/3 IP with 11 hits and nine earned runs allowed. He has also struggled with his command, allowing six BBs to just three Ks. Spring Training stats should somewhat be taken with a grain of salt. But the Rockies undoubtedly will still want to see Lorenzen put a solid outing together this spring before the regular season gets going.

Pair of Rockies Putting Together Solid Spring Performances

A pair of Rockies in right-hander Tanner Gordon and Freeland have been solid so far this spring. Gordon has appeared in three games, starting in two of them. Over seven IP, he has allowed just one earned run with eight Ks to one BB. It is encouraging to see Gordon continuing his positive momentum following a strong finish to last season. Freeland has put together two solid starts covering five innings. In which he posted a 1.80 ERA with six Ks but did allow three BBs.

Gordon showed several positive signs beyond the numbers in his latest start against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, March 15. He began the game with a 1-2-3 inning, striking out Jorge Soler and Jeimer Candelario. But the rest of Gordon’s outing was arguably more impressive. Perhaps more than any other pitching staff in the Majors, the Rockies’ pitchers have to be adept at consistently putting out fires and limiting innings from spiraling out of control. The second inning started with a Trey Mancini double to center and a walk to Travis d’Arnaud.

Encouraging Outing

But Gordon did not panic. Immediately picking up the first out of the inning off a one-pitch lineout by Chris Taylor. Then got Yolmer Sanchez to pop out and struck out Jose Siri on a 93-mph four-seamer during an extended at-bat to escape the inning unscathed. He then again limited the damage in the third.

With runners on first and third, Gordon allowed Soler to score on a balk. But followed with two groundouts. Leaving Adam Frazier stranded at third. With more MLB-caliber players playing as spring gets closer to the end, it was encouraging to see Gordon put together a solid outing against MLB talent in which he was tested with traffic for multiple innings.

Chase Dollander Getting Plenty of Reps

Following a rookie year that did not go as planned for top prospect Chase Dollander, the RHP has received consistent work. Currently leading the Rockies with four starts this spring. Over 10 1/3 IP, he has allowed 13 hits, posting a 5.23 ERA with six Ks to four BBs. The 5.23 ERA is largely attributable to his March 11 start against the Seattle Mariners.

After beginning with a leadoff walk, Dollander was aided by Victor Robles being thrown out at third on a Rob Refsnyder single. He then struck out Luke Raley on three pitches. Punching him out with a 99-mph four-seamer to the upper right of the zone, showing the velocity the Rockies’ rotation sorely needs. Dollander again allowed the leadoff hitter to reach in the second inning, followed by consecutive RBI doubles to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead. But he got three consecutive outs to close out the inning. However, the next inning was when things became concerning.

Limiting the Big Inning

Dollander hit Refsnyder and Mitch Garver before allowing them to reach second and third on consecutive wild pitches to J.P. Crawford. The Mariners punished Dollander’s mistakes with consecutive RBI singles. Dollander then got Connor Joe to ground into a fielder’s choice to first after an extended at-bat before giving way to the bullpen.

Dollander showed the top-shelf velocity he brings to the Rockies. While successfully managing to get out of the second inning with limited damage. But imploded in the third inning, an issue that plagued him last year in the Majors. Dollander will have to continue working on keeping innings from spiraling out of control, especially if he wants to improve at Coors. But posted two solid starts against the Angels and Athletics earlier this spring.

Overall, showing much of what makes him an exciting prospect for Colorado. If Dollander can find consistency, combined with his stuff, he could be a weapon for the Rockies.

Intriguing Battle for Final Rotation Spot

Dollander is in an ongoing competition for the final spot in the rotation with veteran Antonio Senzatela, Feltner, and Gordon. Feltner played in just six games last season. Before going down for the remainder of the year with right shoulder and back problems. He has played in four games this spring, starting one. Reportedly being looked at as a potential bullpen option as well.

Feltner has posted a 10.80 ERA over 8 1/3 IP, but more importantly, has successfully stayed healthy and has a solid 12 Ks to six BBs. Feltner isn’t concerned about making the Opening Day roster and is focused solely on what he can control: pitching. In an interview with Thomas Harding of MLB.com, he talked about that approach:

“It’s not a thought for me at all,” Feltner said. “I just do what I do. If they want me on the team, they do. If they don’t, they don’t. All I can control is pitching, and that’s what I’m doing.”

He has to prove he can regain his form again, but at the end of the 2024 season, Feltner was pitching like the best pitcher in the Rockies’ rotation before his 2025 season was derailed by injury. Senzatela was originally slated for the bullpen this season, but is reportedly being given a chance to prove that an expanded pitch mix can earn him a rotation spot.

Great Spring, Awful Regular Season

Senzatela likely faces an uphill climb, even if he does continue what has been a solid spring in limited action. He was also one of the best starting pitchers for the Rockies last year during Spring Training.

But he followed with a disastrous regular season. His 6.65 ERA over 130 IP was the third-worst among starting pitchers who had pitched in at least 110 innings. Finishing 4-15 and ranked in the bottom 1% in numerous categories per Statcast, including BB rate and K rate. Senzatela also finished with just two quality starts of 23 outings. Gordon finished second on the team with seven quality starts in just 15 outings.

Gordon Should Feel Great

Gordon must feel confident about his chances. He has only built on his momentum from last season. Reportedly adding a “one-seam” pitch that travels 90 mph and complements his four-seamer. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer has also noted Gordon’s increased velocity this spring.

“He’s up to 95 mph, attacking the strike zone with all his pitches – that’s Tanner Gordon for you,” Schaeffer said.

Opening Day is getting closer by the day. The final rotation spot will continue to be one of the most intriguing roster battles to follow on the Rockies.