The Los Angeles Angels welcomed Griffin Canning back to the team after nearly two years, and in four starts the results have been mixed, but overall a plus for the 26-year-old.
Canning altered his training regimen to hasten his return to big-league action, which resulted in five innings of two-run ball with four strikeouts in his first start of the season. Because of José Suarez, Tyler Anderson and Patrick Sandoval all experiencing their own hiccups, the need for innings is larger than expected.
The right-hander is 2-0 with a 5.31 ERA on the season, but the Angels haven’t lost a game in which he’s started. According to Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register, Canning is optimistic about his play despite having a high ERA:
“Obviously I’d like the line to look prettier, but with the process, I feel pretty good where I’m at, physically and mentally,” Canning said.
The process should be the greatest focus for Canning after missing as much time as he did, but there’s still room to be optimistic with as many bats as he’s been missing this season.
He is expected to continue making starts and should continue to improve, which is good new for both the Angels and Canning.
Ryan Tepera improved mechanics while on injured list
Prior to their series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, the Angels activated Ryan Tepera from the 15-day injured list and optioned Andrew Wantz to Triple-A Salt Lake as the corresponding move.
Tepera was expected to pitch in a high-leverage role, but he struggled to begin the year. He had also missed the last two weeks due to shoulder inflammation, and after tossing two perfect innings in Single-A he cited that he made some mechanical adjustments.
Tepera noted he watched videos of himself pitching two years and changed his arm angle. The right-hander enjoyed a solid two-year stint with the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox before joining the Angels in free agency during the 2021 offseason.
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