The New York Metsâ fragile rotation was dealt another setback Friday when right-hander Griffin Canning was confirmed to have ruptured his left Achilles.
Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Canning had surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
Signed to a one-year, $4.25 million contract in December, Canning, 29, had been one of baseballâs best under-the-radar pickups. He was 7-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 16 starts, lowering his ERA by more than a full run after an ugly 2024 with the Los Angeles Angels.
The injury occurred on a seemingly innocuous play during the third inning of Thursdayâs 4-0 win over the Atlanta Braves. Planting his leg to back up third base on a ground ball, Canning crumpled to the ground. Catcher Luis Torrens immediately motioned for the trainers, and Canning lay on the field for several minutes before being helped off.
âYou hate to see it, especially the way he went down,â Mendoza said via the Athleticâs Will Sammon. âYou feel for the guy.â
How Does Griffin Canning’s Injury Affect Mets?
Canning is already the third Metsâ starter to land on the injured list this month, joining right-handers Kodai Senga (strained hamstring) and Tylor Megill (elbow strain).
The Mets still have baseballâs best ERA at 3.21 but are just 3-7 over their last 10 games. New York briefly fell out of first place in the National League East before regaining a half-game lead heading into Fridayâs series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Metsâ rotation now consists of David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Paul Blackburn, Frankie Montas and Blade Tidwell, who was called back up Friday from Triple-A Syracuse as part of a series of corresponding moves.
Left-hander Sean Manaea (oblique strain) has yet to pitch this season but is nearing the end of his minor league rehab assignment, according to MLB.comâs Anthony DiComo. He was diagnosed with a bone chip in his elbow following his most recent start for Triple-A Syracuse.
Canningâs injury further tests the Metsâ depth as they look to stave off the Philadelphia Phillies atop the division and cement themselves as contenders heading into next monthâs All-Star break.
Griffin Canning Had Become Trusted Part of Mets Rotation
In 32 appearances (31 starts) with the Angels last season, Canning went 6-13 with a 5.19 ERA. He was signed merely as a depth arm but wound up opening the season in the rotation once Manaea went down.
Canning had struggled of late, with ERAs of 4.09 and 5.01 in May and June, respectively. Yet, big picture, he was setting himself up for a bigger payday this offseason.
Canning acknowledged the injury on social media site X (formerly Twitter), writing, âUnfortunate way to end my season but looking forward to the challenge of getting back better and stronger. Appreciate everyone reaching out.â
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