In a move that shocks as much as it signals internal urgency, the Colorado Rockies announced Monday that they have optioned right‑hander Chase Dollander to Triple‑A Albuquerque. The transaction was paired with the recall of fellow righty Bradley Blalock to the Rockies’ active roster.

Drafted ninth overall in 2023 out of Tennessee, Dollander arrived in pro ball with genuine buzz. His stock soared after a dominant two-year college career—including a flawless 10‑0 run during his sophomore season and SEC Pitcher of the Year honors in 2022—but Coors Field has proven unkind to even the most promising arms. Despite flashes of promise early in the season, Dollander’s stint in Denver has centered on struggle.

In 15 starts, the 23‑year‑old righty accumulated a 2‑9 record with a 6.68 ERA, registering 52 strikeouts but walking 33 through 68.2 innings. Alone at the plate of Coors, Dollander’s ERA balloons even higher: a staggering 9.37 over eight appearances there. Dollander has a 4.25 ERA on the road and his 20.3% strikeout rate on the road is much better than his 13.7% clip at Coors.

Monday’s demotion as the team kicks off a three-game set in Boston followed a rough outing on Sunday where he allowed three earned runs and four walks in just 3 2⁄3 innings. Dollander’s biggest issue has been his lack of command this season and control of his pitches. He has left balls over the plate and missed spots which has led to loud contact, home runs, and too much traffic. He has 52 strikeouts against 33 walks, with both rates quite subpar in the league.

Dollander had seemed to find a rhythm in May before a forearm strain sidelined him for two weeks and he wasn’t able to find his composure again. Struggling to go more than four innings the Rockies feel a reset in Triple-A is beneficial for the young right-hander who only made one start with the Isotopes before his initial promotion.

Stepping into Dollander’s rotation slot will be Bradley Blalock, a 2024 debutant with his own questions to answer. Blalock endured a rocky Triple‑A campaign, posting an 8.32 ERA in 44.1 frames alongside 33 strikeouts and 28 walks, but he’s the arm Colorado tapped. His tenures in the big leagues have proven turbulent; in five outings, he’s run up a 12.94 ERA and 1.92 WHIP.

Dollander is viewed as the ace of the future for the Rockies, but the combination of Coors Field and his still unrefined skills led to struggles and he’ll try to work them out and get back on the roster before the end of the season.