Yesterday, the Colorado Rockies prospects faced off against the Arizona Diamondbacks prospects in their 2024 Spring Breakout matchup. Each Spring Breakout matchup around the league was seven innings compared to the usual nine. The young prospects playing for last year’s National League Champions entered Salt River Fields and did their job. Arizona defeated Colorado 3-1. Arizona scored two runs at the top of the fourth inning. Then, one more was at the top of the sixth to seal the victory. Even though Colorado suffered a tough loss, many positive takeaways came through for the Rockies during this matchup. While there are still questions surrounding this 2024 Rockies squad, the future could be much brighter once their marvelous prospects make their big-league debut.
Takeaways from the Colorado Rockies Spring Breakout Game
Chase Dollander Could Significantly Boost This Rockies Rotation
Despite pitching only one inning in yesterday’s game, Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, gave Rockies fans a reason to be hopeful. After a shaky start with a walk against the first batter, Dollander quickly turned things around with a swift ground ball double play. He ended the inning with another quick ground ball out. In just that first inning, the 22-year-old pitcher threw 11 pitches, hinting at his potential to boost the Rockies 2024 rotation significantly. While one inning may not be enough to predict a player’s future, Dollander’s performance certainly sparked optimism for what he could bring to the table in challenging or late-game situations.
Impressive Play by Zac Veen and Drew Romo
Left fielder Zac Veen and catcher Drew Romo were the only Rockies starters in yesterday’s game to go a perfect two-for-two. D-Backs second baseman Jansel Luis dealt with a sharp ground ball from Veen. Luis could not come up with the ball in time. Veen showed agility and quickness with his fast-paced run to first base. During the bottom of the second inning, Romo smacked the ball over Arizona’s shortstop Jordan Lawler. Veen hit the ball into no-man land between left and center field. With his speed, the young left fielder ran to second for a double during the bottom half of the third.
Romo would give the Rockies their first run of the game after being down 2-0. Rockies right fielder Yanquiel Fernández smashed a base hit into right field. With Fernández on second and two outs, Drew ripped a base hit to center field. This hit got Colorado their first and only run of the game. The Rockies rally might have continued, but after a dropped ball from Arizona’s catcher, Romo was caught stealing.
Colorado’s Pitching Staff Is Too Unpredictable
As we entered Spring Training, we discussed the unpredictability of this Rockies rotation and bullpen. After three scoreless innings from Dollander, Gabriel Hughes, and Carson Palmquist, Angel Chivilli unexpectedly gave up two big runs during the fourth inning, costing the Rockies the win. However, as time progresses and the performances of Dollander, Hughes, and Palmquist improve, we may witness something the Rockies haven’t had in a while – a complete rotation of quality starters. Despite yesterday’s loss, one thing is sure. There’s a rising hope within this organization, and once the pieces fall into place, they could pose a formidable challenge in the National League.
Main Photo Credits: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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