Griffin Canning’s Career-Worst Meltdown: What Went Wrong Against the Braves?

In a devastating performance that will likely haunt him for weeks to come, Griffin Canning experienced the lowest point of his MLB career during a brutal outing against the Atlanta Braves at Angel Stadium. The young pitcher’s struggles reached a critical mass, resulting in a nightmarish game that exposed multiple underlying issues in his pitching approach.

From the very first inning, Canning found himself in deep trouble. Michael Harris II started the offensive onslaught with a sharp double, followed by Austin Riley’s single. The knockout blow came from Marcell Ozuna, who launched a three-run homer that immediately put the Los Angeles Angels in a 3-0 deficit.

The numbers tell a stark story of Canning’s collapse:

1. Career-high 7 runs allowed
2. 4 1/3 innings pitched
3. 8 hits surrendered
4. 2 home runs
5. 1 double

By the time the dust settled, the Angels had suffered an embarrassing 11-3 loss, with Canning bearing the brunt of the blame. His season-long struggles came into sharp focus during this game, highlighting a pattern of inconsistency that has plagued his recent performances.

“It was just one of those days where nothing seemed to go right,” Canning admitted in the post-game interview.

The root of Canning’s issues extends beyond this single game. His 2023 season was marked by significant challenges, including a 5.41 ERA over 25 starts and an American League-high 80 earned runs allowed. His first-inning performances have been particularly problematic, with a staggering 26 runs conceded across 25 opening frames.

Contextualizing Canning’s struggles requires understanding his recent history. He missed the entire 2022 season due to a stress fracture in his back, which undoubtedly impacted his development and consistency. His performance has been a rollercoaster: a 7.45 ERA in his first six starts, followed by a more promising 3.48 ERA over 11 starts, and then a regression to a 7.09 ERA in his last eight starts.

Interestingly, there were hints of potential improvement before this disastrous game. Canning had shown some mechanical adjustments, posting a 3.75 ERA in his previous two outings. However, the Braves’ potent lineup quickly dismantled any sense of progress.

The Angels’ management seemed to recognize the mounting challenges. Ron Washington, the team’s manager, suggested that a key defensive play in the fifth inning might have altered the game’s trajectory. This comment hints at the complex interplay between pitching performance and team dynamics.

Looking forward, Canning has already secured a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the New York Mets – a potential opportunity for redemption. The Mets likely see untapped potential in the former second-round draft pick, hoping to help him reclaim the promise he showed earlier in his career.

Conclusion: Griffin Canning’s meltdown against the Braves was more than just a bad game. It was a culmination of ongoing struggles, injury setbacks, and the challenging journey of a young pitcher trying to find consistency at the highest level of professional baseball.

The road to recovery starts with understanding, adaptation, and unwavering determination.