It’s the kind of news that sends a jolt through any rebuilding team, and the Rockies just got hit hard. One of their youngest pitching prospects, an 18-year-old star, has been suspended before he even got a whiff of the big leagues. 

Francys Romero broke the news on X, reporting, “Colorado Rockies Minor League pitcher Erick Veras, who is currently on the roster of the Dominican Summer League Rockies, has received a 56-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Boldenone.” Colorado had only just signed Eric Veras in January 2024 with a $125,000 bonus, hoping the Dominican left-hander would blossom into a future asset. But now, they’re left facing early disappointment and reputational baggage.

What stings even more is how quickly the downfall arrived. Veras had shown promise through his first five starts this season, going 2–0 with a 3.97 ERA in the Dominican Summer League. Though they are not dominant numbers, they are solid for a rookie just getting started. The Rockies, known for cultivating raw international talent, clearly saw potential when they inked the Santo Domingo native.

However, the promising start has been interrupted before it could even gain momentum. The steroid suspension doesn’t just stall his development—it questions his readiness and judgment. Instead of building innings, Veras will now sit on the restricted list. The setback effectively sidelined him during what was supposed to be a key year in his minor league progression.

The Rockies, already under the microscope for inconsistent pitching development, now have to answer a tough question. How does a kid just 18 years old, freshly signed, end up failing a PED test this early? Whether it’s poor guidance, desperation to impress, or something deeper in the system, the damage is real and the road back won’t be easy.

Veras’ suspension highlights the darker side of prospect development. However, the Rockies also made headlines this month for a more uplifting reason, by investing in talent that’s been steadily climbing the college ranks.

Rockies bet on college standout to strengthen future bullpen core

In the 15th round of the 2025 MLB Draft, the Colorado Rockies took a swing at experience. They selected former Paris Junior College standout Dylan Crooks. After graduating from PJC in 2023, Crooks transferred to the University of Oklahoma. There, he quickly made his presence felt in high-pressure moments. Serving as the Sooners’ closer, he posted a remarkable 1.69 ERA over 32 innings in 2025. And tallying 33 strikeouts against just 10 walks—elite numbers that placed him among the nation’s top relievers.

Crooks’ dominant run didn’t go unnoticed. He earned Second Team All-Region honors from the ABCA and was named a Third Team All-American by Baseball America. Perhaps more impressively, he became one of only 13 finalists for the 2025 Stopper of the Year Award. He wrapped up his OU career with 16 saves, tied for the second-most in a single season in school history and ranked second nationally, a testament to his composure in tight spots and value in the late innings.

This draft pick also adds to a growing legacy at Paris Junior College. This marks the third time in four years that a Dragon has been drafted into Major League Baseball. Crooks now joins the likes of Beau Brewer (19th round, Yankees in 2022) and Barrett Riebock (17th round, Guardians in 2023). They are showcasing how PJC continues to develop players ready to make noise on bigger stages. For the Rockies, the hope is clear: that Crooks, already battle-tested at the collegiate level, becomes a dependable force in a bullpen that desperately needs long-term answers.

From a promising arm facing suspension before reaching the majors to a college standout earning his shot. The Rockies’ week has been a tale of two extremes. As the franchise navigates its rebuild, it must learn to balance risk and potential more carefully.