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Padres' $2.5M Pitching Gamble Falters Badly
26 Oct
Summary
- Griffin Canning struggled with a 5.68 ERA in 30 appearances for the Padres.
- He allowed more runs than innings pitched in seven of his ten starts.
- Canning found success in a bulk relief role after July 18.
San Diego Padres pitcher Griffin Canning received a $2.5 million, one-year contract for the 2026 season after a strong prior year with the New York Mets was cut short by injury. His performance for the Padres was largely disappointing, with a 5.68 ERA and 1.52 WHIP across 30 appearances, including 11 starts.
Canning struggled to contain opponents, batting .276 against him and frequently allowing more runs than innings pitched. This pattern occurred in seven of his ten starts, casting doubt on his effectiveness.
However, Canning's season saw a positive turn when he transitioned to a bulk relief role after his final start on July 18 against the Kansas City Royals. In this new capacity, he showcased improved form, recording a 2.70 ERA in appearances after July 23, limiting runs more effectively than in his earlier starts.
