Rockies ace Chase Dollander leaves start early due to an apparent injury

Colorado Rockies ace Chase Dollander was pulled from his start on Thursday after just one inning of work with an apparent arm injury.

Dollander started Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and was off to a rocky start, giving up three runs, including a two-run home run to Pirates right fielder Ryan O'Hearn after just one inning. After facing the first two batters in the second, he allowed a double and a walk, putting himself in more trouble. 

More troubling was his velocity, however, as it was a tick down from his average fastball, which normally sits at 98-99 mph and touches 100 mph. His fastball was down to 95-96 mph in Thursday's game, prompting some concern. The medical staff quickly ran out for a mound visit, and after a few show-me pitches, Dollander's day was done as he was pulled out of the game. It was later confirmed that the injury was due to arm tightness, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

It's a tough blow for the young fireballer who was in the midst of a breakout year. The No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Dollander was starting to find his rhythm this season, posting a 3.89 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. Most impressive has been his strikeout numbers, recording 47 strikeouts in his 44 innings pitched before Thursday's game. 

Rockies, Chase Dollander hope injury is not serious

The hopes are that the early exit is just precautionary at this point and that he can make his next start. We'll have to wait and see what the severity of the injury is, but you can pretty much bet the Rockies will be very careful in how they handle their young ace. We'll now wait and see if Dollander will be available for his next start, which would come on May 19 against the Texas Rangers in Colorado.