BOSTON — Griffin Canning’s nightmare start to the season continued Saturday.
The Angels right-hander allowed seven runs in four innings in a 7-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox, raising his ERA to 9.88 after three starts.
Canning has now allowed 15 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings.
It’s been a disappointing start for a pitcher who pitched well most of last season, after returning from a back injury that cost him half of 2021 and all of 2022.
One of the problems was Canning’s command. He threw too many pitches in the middle of the zone, including a changeup that Triston Casas drilled 429 feet on for a two-run homer in the first inning Saturday.
At the end of his four innings, Canning allowed nine hits. The only consolation was that he didn’t walk anyone while he struck out six. He threw 73% of his 70 pitches for strikes, which is a ratio well above average.
Canning’s speed, however, remained slightly lower than last year. He averaged 94.7 mph with his fastball in 2023. His fastball averaged 92.5 mph on Saturday, which is about where it has been in all three games.
Canning insisted he felt fine and suggested it could just be an early season issue.
The Angels juggled their rotation before this start, giving Canning extra days while keeping Reid Detmers in turn. This allowed Canning to run a second bullpen session between starts, but the results were no better.
Canning’s rough start put the Angels in a 4-0 hole after one inning and a 6-0 deficit after two.
The Angels (7-7) had their first opportunity to get back into the game, loading the bases in the second half. Zach Neto grounded out to end the inning.
In the third, Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer, his fifth homer of the season.
First baseman Nolan Schanuel left the game after fouling his leg in the third inning.
More to come on this story.
California Daily Newspapers
