MLB Injuries Today – Rockies Woes: Quintana MRI, Dollander IL

The Colorado Rockies announced Tuesday that veteran left-hander Jose Quintana will undergo an MRI on his left elbow after exiting his start against Arizona, adding his name to today’s MLB Injuries Today list. In a devastating blow to a staff already fighting for stability, MLB Injuries Today also notes that fellow right-hander Chase Dollander has landed on the 10-day injured list with an elbow strain. These simultaneous setbacks leave the Rockies with two gaping holes in their starting rotation at a critical juncture of the season.

The timing could not be worse for manager Bud Black. In Monday’s 5-1 loss to the Dodgers, rookie Tanner Gordon was thrust into the spotlight, making his first major-league start. Gordon delivered a composed five innings of work, providing a temporary bridge while the club searches for long-term stability behind the mound. However, Gordon’s emergence is a symptom of a larger crisis; the front-office brass now faces a strategic dilemma: do they lean on unproven youth or aggressively pursue the market to fill the gaps before the next series begins?

How the injury wave reflects Colorado’s recent pitching struggles

Jose Quintana’s MRI is set for May 28, with results expected before the upcoming series against the Giants. For a rotation that has historically struggled with the thin air of Coors Field, the loss of a stabilizing veteran like Quintana is catastrophic. The numbers reveal a chaotic trend: the Rockies have utilized six different starters in the past ten games. This constant churn prevents the staff from establishing a rhythm and has cost the club several close contests where bullpen fatigue became a deciding factor.

Pitching in Denver requires a specific psychological and mechanical approach to mitigate the “Coors Effect,” where breaking balls hang and fly balls carry further. Quintana had begun to master this environment, utilizing a precise command of his sinker and slider to induce ground balls. The loss of that reliability forces the team back into a “survival mode” rotation, relying on “bullpen games” or makeshift starters who lack the efficiency to pitch deep into games.

What roster moves are on the table after the setbacks?

According to MLB.com, Gordon’s debut earned him a spot as a potential long-term option. His ability to limit hard contact in his first outing suggests he possesses the poise required for the big leagues. Meanwhile, veteran Ryan Feltner is slated to return on May 30 after a brief rehab stint. However, Feltner’s return is viewed with cautious optimism; his recent workload and history of soft-tissue issues raise significant durability questions that the training staff must manage closely.

The Rockies are also eyeing the minor leagues for immediate relief. Left-handed prospect Luke Little has been performing well in Triple-A, and his promotion could provide a necessary tactical counter to the left-heavy lineups of the NL West. By bringing up Little, Bud Black could maintain a left-handed presence in the rotation, which is essential for neutralizing power hitters in the Giants and Dodgers lineups.

Colorado Rockies’ rotation in focus: Strategy and Analytics

Bud Black has spent the season playing a high-stakes game of musical chairs with his pitching staff. With Quintana’s elbow issue and Dollander’s IL placement, the team is at a crossroads. While promoting from within is the cost-effective route, the front office is weighing a mid-season trade. Internal analytics suggest that acquiring a veteran starter with a proven track record could improve the team’s win probability by 3-4 points over the remaining stretch of the season.

However, the market for starting pitching is notoriously expensive. The Rockies must decide if they are willing to part with top-tier prospects to acquire a “rental” arm that can stabilize the rotation until July. This decision is complicated by the team’s current payroll strategy, as they seek to balance competitive urgency with long-term financial flexibility. The trade deadline is looming, and the urgency to avoid a complete rotational collapse is mounting.

Key Developments

• Chase Dollander: Placed on the 10-day injured list on May 24, ending his season-opening streak. As a high-ceiling arm, his absence removes a critical power element from the staff.
• Jose Quintana: MRI scheduled for May 28 with results due before the Giants series. The outcome will determine if this is a short-term inflammation or a season-altering ligament tear.
• Tanner Gordon: Posted a 1.80 ERA over five innings in his first start, matching his rookie-season high and proving he can handle the pressure of a Major League mound.
• Ryan Feltner: Expected to pitch on May 30 after a short rehab assignment, providing a much-needed veteran presence.
• Roster Flexibility: The Rockies activated left-handed reliever Ryan Feltner from the COVID list, adding a left-handed option for late games to help bridge the gap to the closer.

Impact and what’s next for Colorado

The potential loss of Jose Quintana could force Colorado into an aggressive pursuit of trade options. If the MRI shows significant structural damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the club will be forced to pivot toward a youth movement or a high-cost free agent signing to keep the rotation afloat. The psychological blow of losing two arms to elbow injuries in one week cannot be overstated; it creates a sense of fragility across the entire pitching staff.

Quintana’s tenure with the Rockies has been marked by flashes of dominance in high-altitude ballparks. In 2024, he posted a 3.42 ERA over 12 starts, the best among right-handers on the staff. His ability to navigate the Coors Field environment made him the anchor of the staff. His recent elbow trouble threatens to erase that progress and could fundamentally alter the team’s payroll strategy, potentially forcing them to overpay for a replacement to avoid a total collapse in the standings.