Chase Dollander carrying Rockies' future hopes of contending

The Rockies' top prospect and 24th-best prospect in baseball, per MLB.com, Dollander is regarded as a potential ace in Colorado. His mid-90s fastball can reach 98 MPH, and his pitch arsenal also includes a curveball, slider and changeup, all of which have the potential to be plus offerings.

Although Dollander has just one Triple-A appearance on his resume, he had little left to prove in the minors. He posted a 2.58 ERA and a 1.221 WHIP over 122 minor league innings, striking out 174 with 49 walks. Those results have led to his ascension to the majors for a Rockies team in desperate need of frontline pitching.

Dollander will face a challenge debuting at Coors Field against the Athletics. The club has an improved roster despite its 2-5 record. The A's have been a middle-of-the-pack offense thus far, with a .670 OPS (17th in the majors) entering Friday. 

Dollander may be the most crucial prospect to debut for the Rockies in years. Colorado has several potential pieces for a competitive core in shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and outfielder Brenton Doyle. Prospects such as infielder Adael Amador, catcher Drew Romo and outfielders Yanquiel Fernandez and Zac Veen may be ready to seize their spot in the lineup by the end of the year. 

However, the Rockies' future success will depend on their ability to find consistent pitching. Those hopes rest on Dollander and his impending debut.