Dollander continues his Opening Day roster case with 7 K's?

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The first impression is becoming better for Rockies 2023 first-round Draft pick Chase Dollander, MLB Pipeline's No. 25 overall prospect.

Dollander struck out seven in 3 2/3 scoreless innings as the Rockies beat the Giants, 3-1, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Tuesday night.

“It's felt great so far,” said Dollander, selected ninth overall out of the University of Tennessee. “I'm constantly learning every time I go out. I'm in a great spot.”

In his last two Cactus League outings -- Thursday against the Guardians and Tuesday -- the 23-year-old has fanned 10 in 7 2/3 innings and justified the extended look the Rockies are giving him.

Dollander walked two against the Giants, but he controlled the bats otherwise. He used fastball that reached 98 mph on several occasions and a curve that struck out Tyler Fitzgerald in the first and similarly victimized Max Stassi in the fourth on his 73rd and final pitch.

“The fastball tonight had life to it,” manager Bud Black said. “The curveball was good. He threw a couple good changeups; sliders were fine. His overall stuff was fine. Delivery looked good, repeated.

“He threw a number of pitches, so there's an efficiency factor that we'll keep an eye on.”

Dollander turned heads with his stuff in his first two outings but gave up three home runs, then allowed five runs on two hits and four walks against the Athletics on March 8. Since, though, he’s turned in two strong outings.

There isn’t an easy way for Dollander to make the Opening Day roster. The Rockies plan on going with four starters -- Opening Day starter Kyle Freland, Ryan Feltner, Germán Márquez and Antonio Senzatela, with Austin Gomber expected to begin on the injured list with left shoulder soreness. The Rockies don’t want to use Dollander in relief. Righty Bradley Blalock is in line for the long role, with Dollander projected for Triple-A Albuquerque.

Still, Dollander is in line to start Sunday’s game against the Brewers and could easily be added to the rotation if necessary.

Dollander said Gomber has mentored him by “showing me what it's like to be in the big leagues and face big league hitters.” Another influence is his offseason training partner, Rays lefty Shane McClanahan -- who happens to be scheduled to face the Rockies and Freeland in the March 28 regular-season opener in Tampa.

If Dollander pitches well Sunday and is needed on the team, could he be in Tampa, also?

“My mind creeps that way sometimes, but I try to shut it down and be present,” he said.

OUTFIELD CRUNCH
Jordan Beck, projected as a regular going into the spring, has yet to find consistent timing. If he doesn’t during the final Cactus League week, the Rockies could option him to Triple-A for regular action.

Brenton Doyle is the starter in center and Nolan Jones -- who isn’t producing with power but is out of Minor League options -- holds left field. Beck is in a five-man race for, at most, three roster spots:

? Beck had a strong spring last year, but this year is behind the fastball and ahead of the curve. He entered Tuesday 8-for-43, then was robbed on a diving play by Giants third baseman Charlie Szykowny. Beck's two spring homers, however, showed what can happen when his swing path is correct.

? One spot likely goes to the out-of-options Sam Hilliard because he can spell Doyle in center field, has experience as a pinch-runner and had an .812 OPS in 58 games last season as a part-time player. But Tuesday's 0-for-3 with two strikeouts dropped him to .057.

? Veteran non-roster utility man Nick Martini, currently nursing a bruised right wrist, has made an impression with a .406 batting average. His track record for patience at the plate goes a long way for a team that naturally struggles offensively going from the extremes of altitude at home and dramatically sharper pitch action on the road.

? Right-handed-hitting Sean Bouchard's hot spring has him under consideration for starts in the corner, and he is tested at first base on the rare occasion that Michael Toglia isn’t playing.

? Electric prospect Zac Veen (Rockies No. 8) has played himself into consideration with a .318 average and seven extra-base hits -- despite inexperience that comes from been limited to 111 games because of injury the last two seasons. If he makes it, expect him to receive starts at the outfield corners and designated hitter, and to spell Doyle occasionally in center.

CLOSING DELIBERATIONS
Black hasn’t decided upon a closer.

Rookie Seth Halvorsen has the power for the job. Veteran Tyler Kinley and second-year man Victor Vodnik also closed games last season.