Los Angeles Angels pitcher Griffin Canning suffers setback
The Los Angeles Angels were hoping to have some of their pitching depth back soon. Griffin Canning had started to work his way back to the mound, pitching simulated games and was seemingly getting closer to heading out to a rehab stint. Considering that the Angels are working with a six man rotation, having a healthy Canning could make a difference.
Those hopes have been dashed. Canning is dealing with a stress reaction in his back and is considering surgery. He will meet with a specialist on Monday to decide whether or not to go under the knife or try a less invasive method of recovery.
Griffin Canning injury throws wrench in Los Angeles Angels plans
A former top 100 prospect, Canning had begun to establish himself as a solid major league arm prior to the 2021 season. He struggled last year, posting a 5.60 ERA and a 1.484 WHiP in his 62.2 innings before being sent back to Triple-A. His time in Salt Lake lasted for two horrendous innings as he allowed six runs on three hits and five walks in his two innings.
That outing in Triple-A would be his final appearance of 2021. His back issues forced him to the sidelines afterwards and he was only just starting to make his way back. Should he need to undergo surgery, he would likely be lost for the rest of the season.
Monday’s meeting could play a major role in the Angels’ moves at the trade deadline. While the rotation has performed well to this point, it is not exactly a paragon of health. The Angels also do not have much depth with Canning being unavailable for the foreseeable future. It could behoove the Angels to look for depth options for the rotation, either in free agency or on the trade block.
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The Los Angeles Angels were hoping to have Griffin Canning back in the somewhat near future. Instead, he may not return at all in 2022.