Former Tennessee pitcher Chase Dollander is among the league’s best in strikeouts through this point in the 2026 MLB season. Dollander has fanned 39 batters so far this season, which is good for the 10th most in all of baseball. He’s climbed to this number in just 32.0 innings, which is good for 1.21 strikeouts per inning pitched.
The former Vol has really been dealing in his last few appearances. In his previous three showings, Dollander recorded seven strikeouts in seven innings against the Mets, nine strikeouts in six innings against the Padres, and nine strikeouts in 5.1 innings against the Astros.
Chase Dollander is breaking out in his 2nd MLB season 🗻
32.0 IP | 2.25 ERA | 39 K’s | 1.00 WHIP
All of his whiffs and called strikes in his 7 shutout innings vs the Mets today:pic.twitter.com/hSdzUqFxQI
— Baseball Performances (@MLBPerformances) April 27, 2026
More From RTI: Four Takeaways From Tennessee Baseball’s Series Victory Over Alabama
With seven appearances and one start this season, Dollander has a 2.25 ERA in 32 innings on the mound. He’s given up just 23 hits and eight earned runs in 529 total pitches. He’s also got a 3-2 record on the season.
Dollander made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies last season, but much was left to be desired after a 6.52 ERA over 21 starts. The former Vol had found much more success in the early stages of the 2026 season, which could be attributed to his primary new role as a long relief pitcher with the Rockies.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 strikeout leaders across MLB through April 26, 2026:
- 1. MIL P Jacob Misiorowski – 51 strikeouts
- 2. NYM P Nolan McLean – 45 strikeouts
- 3. TOR P Dylan Cease – 44 strikeouts
- 3. CLE P Gavin Williams – 44 strikeouts
- 5. LAA P Jose Soriano – 43 strikeouts
- 5. PHI P Cristopher Sanchez – 43 strikeouts
- 7. TEX P MacKenzie Gore – 42 strikeouts
- 8. NYY P Cam Schlittler – 41 strikeouts
- 9. NYY P Ryan Weathers – 40 strikeouts
- 10. COL P Chase Dollander – 39 strikeouts
*Note: Former Tennessee pitcher Garrett Crochet (BOS) is 16th in MLB with 37 strikeouts
Chase Dollander vs. Jacob deGrom, Mechanics (both 100mph Fastballs). pic.twitter.com/wOk1lFaC6T
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 26, 2026
Part of Dollander’s newfound success on the mound may be attributed to a new mindset. Back in March, Dollander told MLB’s Thomas Harding about a revamped calming ritual while studying the opposing lineup.
“I try to find a quiet place in my house, or when I’m doing my recovery stuff at night,” Dollander said, via Harding. “I’ll throw in my AirPods and go through my whole mental routine. It’s more of a message — myself, talking through different things.”
The Colorado Rockies took Chase Dollander out of the University of Tennessee with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee Baseball news and coverage.
The only qualified pitcher averaging over 10.5 K/9 with a sub-2.50 ERA this season:
Chase Dollander 🔥
The 24-year-old is breaking out in his second season in the bigs! pic.twitter.com/K6SsZNKCtq
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) April 26, 2026
