BOSTON — The nightmare start to Griffin Canning’s season continued on Saturday.
The Angels right-hander gave up 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 issue has been Canning’s command. He’s thrown too many pitches in the middle of the zone, including a changeup that Triston Casas drilled 429 feet for a two-run homer in the first inning Saturday.
By the time his four innings were over, Canning gave up nine hits. The only consolation was that he didn’t walk anyone while striking out six. He threw 73% of his 70 pitches for strikes, which is a well above-average ratio.
Canning’s velocity, however, continued to be a couple ticks down from last year. He averaged 94.7 mph with his fastball in 2023. His fastball averaged 92.5 mph Saturday, which is about what it’s been in all three games.
Canning insisted that he feels fine, and suggested it may just be an early season issue.
The Angels juggled their rotation before this start, giving Canning extra days while keeping Reid Detmers on his turn. It allowed Canning to throw 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.
Related Articles
Angels’ Taylor Ward enjoying hot start to 2024
Angels’ Reid Detmers picks up 3rd straight win with scoreless outing against Red Sox
Angels’ Griffin Canning looks to use extra rest to turn around slow start
Angels weigh in on current rash of injuries to major-league pitchers
Angels’ José Soriano can’t escape early hole in 1st career start
The Angels (7-7) had an early opportunity to get back in the game, loading the bases in the second. 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 a ball off his leg in the third inning.
More to come on this story.