Griffin Canning Aims to Rebound Against Dodgers After Rough Starts

NEW YORK, NY — New York Mets starting pitcher Griffin Canning is set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, looking to bounce back from two disappointing outings. Canning, 29, a former UCLA Bruin, signed a one-year, $4.2 million ‘prove-it’ deal with the Mets after five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.

This season, Canning has been one of the Mets’ most reliable pitchers, with a 5-2 record and a 3.23 ERA over 53 innings in 11 appearances. However, he struggled in his last two games, including a challenging start against the Dodgers just over a week ago.

In his last outing against the Chicago White Sox, Canning allowed five runs, three of which were earned, and issued four walks in only three innings pitched. “I’ve just got to regroup and focus on what I can control,” Canning said after his performance. “It’s a long season, and I know I can get back on track.”

Before these struggles, Canning held a 2.47 ERA through his first nine games and had only pitched below five innings once. His recent performances have raised concerns among Mets fans who had been praising him for his early success.

With the early exit of Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes due to an apparent arm injury, fans are relieved that the Mets signed Canning for such a modest deal. The pitching staff, which includes Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson, is also thriving, making Canning’s path to solidifying his spot even more competitive.

Despite recent setbacks, Canning is still receiving buzz as a potential All-Star player, and fans are hopeful he can regain his form against the Dodgers.