Freeland Returns, Dollander Emerges as Rockies Rotation Gains Momentum.

The Colorado Rockies received a timely pitching reinforcement as veteran left-hander Kyle Freeland rejoined the rotation following a stint on the 15-day injured list, while young right-hander Chase Dollander continues to establish himself as one of the club’s most effective arms early in the 2026 season. Freeland is set to start Tuesday night’s series opener in Cincinnati against the Reds after recovering from a shoulder issue that sidelined him since mid-April. The injury was retroactive to April 13. Before landing on the IL, Freeland had been off to one of his strongest starts in years, posting a 2.30 ERA with 13 strikeouts across 15 2/3 innings. After completing his final bullpen session at Citi Field on Sunday, Freeland said he felt fully prepared to rejoin the rotation and continue building on his early-season form.

“I checked all the boxes that I wanted to check during the 15 days,” Freeland said. “I felt great from the live BPs and the two bullpens I had. Yeah, I’m ready to go.” Freeland credited improved pitch calling and chemistry with catcher Hunter Goodman and Brett Sullivan, along with guidance from pitching coach Alon Leichman, as key factors in his early success.

He also pointed to a shifting atmosphere inside the Rockies clubhouse under manager Warren Schaeffer, noting a more energized and focused environment that has translated into stronger performances against competitive teams. Colorado recently picked up series wins over clubs with winning records last season, including the Mets, Blue Jays, and Astros, and also earned a split with the Dodgers earlier in the month. “We are excited to get to the ballpark and play ball that night and try to get wins,” Freeland said.

While Freeland’s return stabilizes the rotation, Dollander’s breakout has been one of the season’s biggest developments for Colorado. The right-hander has produced a 2.25 ERA over 32 innings, ranking among the National League’s top pitchers with at least 30 innings pitched. He also leads the Rockies in bWAR at 1.4. The 2025 season told a very different story for Dollander, who struggled as a rookie, finishing 2–12 with a 6.52 ERA. This year, however, his approach has changed dramatically. Dollander has emphasized a more aggressive mindset, attacking hitters rather than pitching cautiously around the zone. That adjustment, along with mechanical tweaks, has helped him better command his high-velocity arsenal. “I didn’t want to throw my stuff in the zone, but this year I said, ‘Hey, go right after them,’” Dollander said. “You throw 100 [mph]. You have to throw your stuff in the zone.”

With Freeland back in the mix and Dollander emerging as a frontline arm, Colorado’s pitching staff is beginning to take shape at a critical point in the season.