The Colorado Rockies confirmed on Friday night that right-hander Chase Dollander will undergo UCL surgery, ending his 2026 season and likely sidelining him for most of 2027. Manager Warren Schaeffer told Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette that Dollander has one more pre-operation appointment before the procedure is scheduled. The news marks a major setback for the organization’s top pitching prospect.
Dollander was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Friday, the same day the Rockies promoted Sean Sullivan. The 23-year-old had been out since mid-May with an elbow sprain, and the team had initially hoped to avoid surgery. Schaeffer said the injury has not healed as expected.
Dollander entered 2026 as the Rockies’ most promising young starter. The ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, he was expected to be a cornerstone of Colorado’s rebuild. In 44 innings this season, he posted a 3.89 ERA and struck out 25% of opposing batters. His fastball and sinker averaged 98.5 mph, generating a 12% swinging-strike rate.
The Rockies experimented with an opener strategy early in the season before moving Dollander into a traditional rotation role. That shift coincided with his best performances, including a strong stretch in April. His season was derailed by a six-run outing against Atlanta on May 2, though he was still the team’s most reliable starter prior to the injury.
With Dollander out, the Rockies continue to struggle. They are on pace for a fourth consecutive 100-loss season and show little sign of competitiveness in 2027. The development of young arms like Dollander is the only hope for the franchise as it remains in the early stages of a long rebuild.
Dollander is under club control through 2032, giving the Rockies six seasons to develop him. He will remain on the 40-man roster this offseason and can be placed back on the 60-day IL when Spring Training begins in 2027. His surgery timeline will determine whether he returns in time for the 2027 season or if he misses it entirely.
The Rockies will continue to monitor Dollander’s medical progress in the coming days. Surgery is expected in the near future, with a return date likely set for 2027.
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