Injury Update On Angels Starter; Missed Entire 2022 Season

The Los Angeles Angels' right-handed pitcher, Griffin Canning, is making strides in his recovery from a left groin strain.

After completing four innings in his last two starts in the Cactus League, Canning was sidelined with the injury. However, he has since been cleared to pitch in a rehab assignment with Single-A Inland Empire.

In his first rehab start on Thursday, Canning impressed by striking out 10 batters in just five innings. While it's uncertain if he'll start against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, he's currently lined up as the Angels' sixth starter.

Griffin Canning is likely finished with rehab start for Single-A Inland Empire:

5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
~90 pitches
— Angels MiLB (@AngelsMiLB) April 7, 2023

Canning missed the entire 2020 season due to back issues, making his return to the mound a welcome sight for both the team and fans.

The Angels will likely monitor his performance in at least two more rehab starts before deciding if he's ready to return to the big-league rotation.

Some updates on #Angels RHP Griffin Canning's rehab start for Single-A Inland Empire tonight, via @steve_wendt on the radio broadcast:

• Fastball was 94-95 mph.
• 3 K's in the 1st, 1 run scored on a dropped pop-up
• Scheduled for 85-95 pitches.
• Phil Nevin is at the game.
— Angels MiLB (@AngelsMiLB) April 7, 2023

Once a former top prospect, the 26-year-old has yet to fully put it together at the major-league level, compiling a 4.73 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 214 strikeouts across 209.1 innings and 41 starts. Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports