Chase Dollander breaks down how his mentality changes sliding into Friday night role

Tennessee has returned to the baseball diamond, opening as one of the favorites to win the SEC. The best team in the country for most of last season, head coach Tony Vitello will be hoping to repeat the feat this spring. Having a pitcher such as Chase Dollander gives the confidence to do so.

Dollander was fantastic for the Vols last season, slotting in as the Saturday starter. Vitello has bumped his ace up a day this season, with Dollander expected to open most series. A worthy promotion for one of the nation’s best starters.

As for what changes from Dollander’s perspective, he says not much. Only thing changing is the day of the week.

“Nothing really changes,” Dollander said. “Maybe the game time for different games but that’s really the only thing that changes. Mentality, everything stays the same. Routine, stays the same. Kind of just have to go out there and pitch.”

Dollander got his year started on Friday against Arizona, with Tennessee playing in the Desert Invitational. He was unfortunately given a loss as the Vols fell 3-1. Dollander went 4.2 innings giving up two runs on three hits and a walk. Arizona was able to take one yard but struck out seven times.

If Vitello keeps Dollander on a consistent schedule early in the year, he will make his next appearance against Dayton. In what would be a home opener for the Volunteers, some excitement will be built into the Lindsey Nelson Stadium crowd.

Chase Dollander expected to be selected early in 2023 MLB Draft

Baseball will not stop for Dollander once his time in Knoxville is over. The Tennessee star is expected to be one of the top draft picks in the 2023 MLB Draft this summer. College pitchers are always something teams are going after, especially from SEC programs.

MLB.com’s latest mock draft came back in December, with Dollander falling to the Washington Nationals at No. 2 overall. With the two names thrown into the explanation by Jonathon Mayo, you can tell how highly Dollander is thought of.

“Sticking to the Top 100 order for now with the best arm in the class,” Mayo said. “Last year, there wasn’t a college pitcher who belonged in conversations up here, but Dollander, considered by some to be the best college pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg and Gerrit Cole, could end up going 1-1.”